The destruction caused by historic flooding in southern Louisiana is the worst natural disaster in the United States since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, according to Red Cross officials.
"As we all know the severe flooding in many areas of our diocese has dramatically affected the well-being and livelihood of countless people," said Baton Rouge Bishop Robert Muench in a videotaped message posted to the diocese's website.
"To those so impacted I express genuine empathy, heartfelt solidarity and commitment to help as best as we can," he said, adding his thanks "to those who have so impressively and sacrificially reached out to serve." He called the "outpouring of concern" extraordinary in "our area and beyond." On August 14, Bishop Muench visited three evacuation shelters to comfort evacuees.
