OAKDALE, La. (KPLC) – Oakdale High School was one of many places that flooded after nearly 12 inches of rain fell Saturday night.

Fortunately, many students, faculty and community members came out to help with the cleanup.

Allen Parish School Superintendent Brad Soileau said it’s not the first time it’s happened.

“It’s just unfortunate we had to go through it, it was probably the biggest water we’ve seen. In the gym, in the weight room, in the band room, in the school, there was a lot of water in that area,” Soileau said.

They worked for hours so students wouldn’t have to miss classes on Monday mornings.

“Not being in school is a big thing right now, losing a day in a block schedule is a lot, so we were thankful for the community and everybody,” Soileau said.

I spoke to people whose homes and businesses were flooded. Many are disappointed by what they call a lack of action to fix the city’s drainage problems.

Councilor Jeremy Smith said drainage was a major problem and it was only getting worse.

Looking forward, he told KPLC that two drainage projects have been approved in the 10th and 16th Street areas and should begin next year.

“We hope that more progress will be made when our new mayor and city administration take office,” Smith said.

Smith believes the city should focus on state and federal grants to help facilitate larger projects and hopes drainage problems will become a thing of the past.

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