With massive floodwaters finally receding in Louisiana, the southern US state is cleaning up and assessing the devastation. In the past week, nearly 800 millimeters of rain have dumped on parts of Louisiana, affecting tens of thousands of homes. Officials say the death toll has climbed to thirteen. More than 86,000 people have filed for government emergency assistance.

US President Barack Obama declared Louisiana a disaster zone on Sunday and ordered federal aid to supplement state and local efforts. Louisiana has struggled financially after years of budget problems, following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

"I stayed through hurricanes. I stayed through other things. This has got to be the worst," Local resident Moosie Benoit said.