Houma (January 8, 2016) - Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government declared a state of emergency on January 4, 2016 for Terrebonne Parish due to the developing threat of flooding from the Mississippi River and Atchafalaya River. The state of emergency allows the parish government to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety, health and welfare needs of the citizens and property of Terrebonne Parish.

Terrebonne Parish President Gordon Dove has instructed the Parish’s Public Works Division to provide sand and sand bags for those residents who wish to prepare for the possibility of flooding from the high water levels of the Atchafalaya River.

Sand and sand bags will be available to residents for self-filling at the West Terrebonne Fire Stations located in Gibson, Gibson East and Donner and at the Bayou Black Fire Department on Savanne Road beginning at 3PM today. Residents are encouraged to bring their own shovel to fill the sand bags.

The Atchafalaya River is expected to crest at 8.5 feet on January 23, 2016. This level could increase depending on the opening of the Morganza Flood Control Structure by the USACE. The USACE has NOT made an official decision on the opening of the Morganza Flood Structure. Residents should continue to stay informed through local news media, the Terrebonne Parish Office of Homeland Security website (www.tohsep.com) or the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government’s website (www.tpcg.org) to obtain the latest information available.

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Additional Information

• Original Press Release