Rayne, La. – The city of Rayne, Louisiana, was hit hard by a torrential downpour Saturday afternoon, with rainfall totals reaching 13 inches in a short period of time. The resulting floods overwhelmed local drainage systems and caused significant damage to homes and businesses throughout the area.
Mayor Chuch Robichaux addressed the flooding, acknowledging that the city’s drainage system typically functions well but was unable to handle the unprecedented amount of rain that fell in such a brief window. “Unfortunately, no drainage system anywhere, I don’t think in the country, could handle all this kind of rain,” Robichaux said. “When you get that much rain in a short period of time, it’s just not possible for any system to withstand it.”
The mayor also pointed out that the flooding was exacerbated by the elevation of many homes and businesses, which were built below the required flood protection standards. “The current code is a foot above the road,” Robichaux explained. “Some of them are a foot below the road or 8 inches below the road. So any water that you’re going to get in that’s below the road, it’s going to flood. You can expect it or have slow drainage.”
As floodwaters inundated streets and properties, the city quickly mobilized efforts to assist affected residents. The city is offering financial assistance to those who sustained damage during the storm, with applications available for residents in need. “As the grants are available and the services are available, they are going to contact you to get you the help that you need,” Robichaux said, assuring residents that assistance is on the way. “This is what this is intended for. I spoke to the emergency people in the parish on Sunday, and she expedited all the information that we need.”
For residents whose homes fall below the current elevation standards, the mayor indicated that support is available to help bring homes up to code. “We work together to get you the needs of what can help you to raise your home, possibly do some repairs on your home,” Robichaux said. “So we have some programs out there. You just have to come talk to us, and we will sit down with you and try to get this expedited because we want to help you to help yourself.”
The response from local officials emphasizes both immediate support for residents and long-term efforts to prevent future flood damage by helping homes meet elevation standards. As Rayne recovers from the devastating storm, officials are urging residents to reach out and take advantage of available resources to help mitigate the impacts of future weather events.