St. Martin Parish Mandatory Evacuation Saturday

St. Martin Parish has ordered a mandatory evacuation for Butte LaRose on Saturday as the swollen Atchafalaya River's water levels continue to rise. The sheriff's department announced Wednesday that nobody will be allowed to enter the evacuated area once the order takes effect at 8:00 Saturday morning. The mandatory evacuation also applies to Happy Town and the Sherburne Wildlife Management areas, which are less populated than Butte LaRose. A shelter for displaced residents will open at Breaux Bridge High School's gymnasium on Saturday morning. 

St. Martin Parish Sheriff's Officials are asking displaced residents to bring proof of residency, medical documents, a seven day supply of non-perishable food items, baby food, water, medication, hygiene products, and blankets. Authorities are asking evacuees who bring children to bring toys, books and games to the shelter for them.

Highway 3177, Herman Dupruis Road and La 975 will be closed as well.