The catastrophic flood devastating Louisiana is now the worst natural disaster to strike the United States since Hurricane Sandy four years ago, the Red Cross said.

“Thousands of people in Louisiana have lost everything they own and need our help now,” said Brad Kieserman, the Red Cross’ vice president of disaster services operations and logistics.

“This disaster is the worst to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy, and we anticipate it will cost at least $30 million — a number which may grow as we learn more about the scope and magnitude of the devastation.”

26,119,341,309,600 litres (26 trillion) of rain fell in one week in parts of Louisiana. “About 6.9 trillion gallons of rain pummeled Louisiana between August 8 and 14, according to meteorologist Ryan Maue” reported CNN.

The calamity struck quickly and ferociously. In one part of Livingston Parish, more than 787mm of rain fell in 15 hours.

“I bought enough food to last for a week in case we were flooded in, but I wasn’t prepared for this much devastation,” said Jo Lee Misner, who lives in the Livingston Parish community of Colyell. “Local stores are running low on everything from food to fuel.”

At least 36 of her relatives have lost their homes — all 13 of them.

“It’s unbelievable what we’ve been through,” she said. “We never imaged this would happen.”

And it’s not over. At least 13 people have died across five parishes. And with more rain forecast, the destruction could mount.

– CNN

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– On August 29 2005 New Orleans and Louisiana were hit by historic Hurricane Katrina.