Houston:
Indian-origin Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal has declared a state of emergency due to severe storms that have wreaked havoc in the region leaving one person dead and 12 injured.
The Governor's order came last night as authorities said more than 500 people have been evacuated from southern Louisiana.
State officials said more than 100 homes and businesses in Acadia, Terrebonne and Jefferson Parishes were damaged or destroyed in the storm.
Crews are still working to get power restored in several places.
The storms have claimed a person's life while a dozen people were injured.