Flood waters have finally receded in Baton Rouge and Denham Springs, LA giving a clearer picture of devastation caused by the Aug. 12 storm that paralyzed the region.

Thirteen people lost their lives in the flood caused when nearly 30 inches of rain fell in a 12-hour period; countless others reporting injuries. More than 100,000 residents fled to temporary shelters as 60,000 homes took on water. In fact, nine out of every 10 homes in Livingston Parish were affected by flood. In Baton Rouge, only 15% of households had flood insurance.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices United Properties based in Baton Rouge and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Bobby Tallo Realty in Denham Springs suffered significantly in the flood with agents experiencing property damage and a stunning loss of business. Broker Kyle Tallo of Bobby Tallo Realty reports that 85% of the brokerage’s listings were flooded, and he’s in the process of returning deposit checks and wondering how to keep the lights on during the four to six months it will take for his listings to be restored.

“Our community is suffering,” Tallo said. “Many families are still in temporary shelter and don’t know what to do. Most local businesses took on water and have stopped operating.”

Owner Chase Muller of United Properties is in a similar predicament, with roughly 70% of his brokerage listings suffering water damage and with pending sales halted. “We are in a tough spot,” he said. “It’s hard to know where to focus.”

More than 50 agents operate under the two brokerage and their work has disappeared for the foreseeable future.

Please support our Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices brothers and sisters in their time of need. Make a contribution to our GoFundMe account in support of our two affiliates, their agents and their communities by clicking HERE.

Also, be sure to share our GoFundMe link with family and friends!