Illinois sends flood-relief assistance to Louisiana

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - Illinois officials have sent assistance to Louisiana after devastating flooding hit Baton Rouge and other parts of the state.

Officials say the Department of Central Management Services sent a volunteer this week to deliver 100,000 sandbags and 45 cots to help with flood-relief efforts.

The agency is also sending two water-purification systems to support temporary housing shelters and flood-damage recovery.

Louisiana officials put out a distress call Wednesday to other states asking for help. Severe storms in recent days have inundated the state's capital and elsewhere.

The items Illinois provided were acquired through surplus programs with the U.S. General Services Administration.

Officials say Central Management Services remains on alert to send additional assistance if necessary.

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Online: Department of Central Management Services: http://www.illinois.gov/cms/