South begins cleanup after massive flooding

April 11, 1983

Sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s enabled thousands of flood victims in Mississippi and Louisiana to return to their homes to begin the cleanup. Three days of torrential rains last week caused widespread flash-flooding and forced the evacuation of more than 30,000 people. Flooding stretched from St. Louis, Mo., to the Gulf of Mexico. President Reagan promised speedy emergency aid to flood areas.