Five dead and thousands rescued after 'historic' Louisiana floods

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Five people have died and more than 20,000 rescued after "unprecedented" and "historic" flooding hit the US state of Louisiana.

President Obama has declared a major disaster as waters continued to rise.

Residents have been pulled from swamped cars, flooded homes and hospitals in the southern state.

Governor John Edwards - who has declared a state of emergency - has urged people not to let their "guard down" with the flood-ravaged state expected to get more rain.

At least five people have died. Credit: Reuters
A major disaster has been declared. Credit: Reuters
A car is seen driving through floodwater. Credit: Reuters

An estimated 5,000 people have been forced to sleep in shelters overnight in the state.

The president's disaster declaration has opened up federal resources to help some of the worst-hit areas.

At least five people have died, including a woman whose body was recovered from a river after the car she was driving was swept away.

A 54-year-old man and a 68-year-old man have also drowned while another person is missing feared dead.

Floodwaters are seen in southern Louisiana. Credit: Reuters