Louisiana
State of emergency declared for Louisiana over extreme heat
Gov. John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency for Louisiana on Monday over this summer’s record run of extreme heat, citing a high number of emergency room visits and drought as among the reasons.
Louisiana cities have set a string of heat-related records so far this summer, with no sign of significant cooling anytime soon. State and local officials have been issuing warnings over prolonged exposure to the heat.
There were at least 16 heat-related deaths in June and July, according to the state Department of Health, compared to an average of 10 per year.
“This summer, the National Weather Service has issued a record number of excessive heat warnings for Louisiana,” Edwards said in a statement announcing the declaration, which runs through Sept. 9.
The declaration is an administrative step that allows for the state to mobilize resources to assist in emergencies.
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