Isaac Rains Trigger Evacuations in Mississippi and Louisiana as Tangiaphoa River Dam Breach appears Imminent

Over the last several days the torrential rains from Hurricane / Tropical Storm Isaac have caused widespread flooding, and so far one reported death, across Louisiana and Mississippi. Now an evacuation order has been issued for anyone living near the Tangiaphoa River Valley.

Officials with the Pike County Emergency Management Agency have reported that the Tangiaphoa River Dam is showing signs of a potential breach due to the heavy and continuous rainfall.

To prevent a disaster of epic proportions which would result from a complete failure of the dam which creates the 700-acre Lake Tangipahoa, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal indicated that early this afternoon they will intentionally breach the dam to relieve some of the pressure.

This will result in flooding in the Tangiaphoa River Valley, but will hopefully prevent a full collapse of the dam. Additionally, the planned breached, it is hoped, will flood heavily wooded areas but should have a very limited impact, if any, on major towns in Louisiana.

A mandatory evacuation has been issued in Mississippi and Louisiana for all low-lying areas along the Tangiaphoa River.