St. Martin Parish under state of emergency

ST. MARTINVILLE, La. (KLFY) – A state of emergency has been declared in St Martin Parish after a week of intense weather caused widespread storm damage.

St. Martinsville Mayor Jason Willis said the intense weather caused heavy damage to homes, power lines and trees. Because of this, Parish President Pete Delcambre declared a state of emergency for the parish as a whole.

Willis says since the state of emergency has been declared, St. Martin Parish citizens are able to get help cleaning up the debris caused by fallen trees.

“We had a lot of trees that fell, some on some people’s houses, some blocking the driveway, some blocking the yard, some hanging overpower lines from the yard,” Willis says.

Without the state of emergency for the parish, Willis says everyone would do everything themselves, which would be costly for residents.

“We have the greatest garbage company that we contract with which is Republic Services,” he said. “They called from day one, any help that’s needed, they’re willing to help free of charge.”

Willis said without this, “this would be a fortune for the citizens, especially elderly.”

He said if anyone needs assistance in clearing debris, to reach out to city hall, council members, or even the mayor.

The parish-wide state of emergency will remain in effect until the parish president declares it over.