U. S. President, Barack Obama has declared the state of Louisiana a disaster area, meaning federal aid can be sent to the affected areas.
Soldiers and emergency teams have rescued more than 20,000 people from their homes or cars after the floods, which were caused by torrential rain.
Emergency workers told the BBC some people were still stuck in their homes.
The neighbouring states of Alabama and Mississippi also experienced severe weather, although rains are lessening as they move west over Louisiana and further.
One of the worst-affected areas is the Louisiana capital, Baton Rouge.
William Daniel, an official there, told the BBC from an emergency control centre that between 8,000 and 10,000 people were in shelters.
“We’re still receiving phone calls about people who’re trying to get out of their homes because they can’t get out because either there’s water coming in to their houses or their streets are blocked.
“It is definitely an unprecedented flood here in Baton Rouge. Houses that have never ever even come close to flooding have water three and four foot high in to the houses.”
“This is a flood of epic proportions,” JR Shelton, the mayor of Central City told the media. “When we talk about floods now, we’ll talk about the great flood of 2016. “Everything else pales in comparison.”
John Mitchell, a 23-year-old Louisiana resident, was forced to swim to safety with his girlfriend and her one-year-old daughter. They were rescued by police officers in a boat.
“This is the worst it’s been, ever,” Mr Mitchell said. “We tried to wait it out, but we had to get out.”
However, five people have been confirmed dead as at press time. See more photos below:
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