First responders and residents assessed the flood’s impact Thursday, and officials confirmed the flood had claimed one life, on Wednesday.

Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman said a senior citizen died of a heart attack Wednesday while the man was inside his flooded house.

The man’s identity was not immediately known.

U.S. Coast Guard members, local firefighters, police and National Guard personnel spent the day using boats, helicopters, high-water trucks and military vehicles to transport people from flooded areas to higher ground.

“We are continuing rescues in the city. Port Arthur is receiving help from Florida Fish and Game and Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s office,” said Risa Carpenter, City of Port Arthur public information officer. “Right now, responders are in a control situation going door-to-door where necessary.”

Carpenter said Thursday three shelters are open in the city: Max Bowl, Thomas Jefferson Middle School and the Carl Parker center on the Lamar State College Port Arthur campus. By Thursday afternoon the Parker Center was at capacity, she said.

Food and water were delivered to those shelters overnight.

Once the rescue operation is complete, the city will them move into assessment mode, she said.

Cargo planes crisscrossed the skies during the day headed to the Jack Brooks Regional Airport.

Mayor Freeman said approximately 200 people have been transported from shelters to the airport where they will be brought to Dallas if they have no other place to stay.

“We are hoping this is what the people want and need,” Freeman said. “They want to get out of the city.”

The trip is only for those who want to evacuate to Dallas, he said.

Port Arthur’s water supply is fully operational and safe, the mayor said.

The pumps that remove normal storm water from the city are working properly. However, Freeman said they are working with Drainage District 7 to get fuel to the pump station.

“We have a few guys with 18-wheelers who are at the distribution center who are waiting for it to open,” he said.

The pumps are operating on generator power until electrical power can be restored.

The city continues to be under a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. until further notice.

Entergy reported several thousand customers remained without power in the area.

Although the water is receding it may take some time.

“It’s a slow process. The place it is pumping water to is still under water,” he said. “We are getting the water down.”

The city has had many calls from people wanting to make donations of items for the flood victims, the mayor said.

“There will be an area for this at the corner of Fourth Street and Houston Avenue,” he said. “An 18-wheeler will be on site for the donations and we have opened a warehouse.”

Items such as water, diapers, baby formula, toiletries and bedding are needed. This list may change as needs grow.

Freeman said he is amazed and pleased with how the community has come together during this catastrophic event.

“I’d like to put my arm around them and give them a big hug and thank them,” he said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see the communities come together as they have. It gives me hope, definitely.”