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Mandatory evacuation ordered for east bank of Plaquemines Parish, part of west bank

The evacuation effects about 8,000-10,000 people

PLAQUEMINE, La. — Parts of Plaquemines Parish will be under a mandatory evacuation order Thursday morning as what could become Hurricane Barry approaches the Louisiana coast.

Plaquemines Parish President Kirk Lepine issued a voluntary evacuation order for the entire east bank of Plaquemines Parish and the area from the Oakville Floodgate all the way south to Venice.

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The voluntary evacuation went into effect at 4 p.m. Wednesday. The mandatory evacuation will go into effect at 6 a.m. Thursday, July 11.

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The evacuation effects about 8,000-10,000 people.

Pick up locations are open at Boothville Elementary School, Buras Fire Department, Plaquemines Parish Government Building and Phoenix High School.

A safe harbor order has also been issued for all fishermen.

Officials say the Empire Flood Gate will remain open until the last possible moment.

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Stay with Eyewitness News on WWL-TV and WWLTV.com for more on this developing story. 

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