Photo: Getty Images
Survivors of Hurricane Ida are facing growing hardships as recovery efforts begin in Louisiana and Mississippi.
Entergy, the major energy supplier for New Orleans and surrounding areas, reported restoring utility services to some people in areas of New Orleans on Wednesday morning (September 1) while at least one million people remain without power across the state and neighboring states.
“Entergy has taken the first step to restoring power back to the region,” the company tweeted. “The first light shined early this morning in New Orleans East. Crews will have to methodically bring back additional transmission lines over time to provide additional pathways for progress,” the statement continued.
Dangerous hot temperatures are headed towards the area as rescue and recovery efforts continue after the 165 mph wind gusts toppled power lines and brought “catastrophic damage” to communities across the Gulf Coast.
Survivors of the deadly storm are experiencing long lines at gas stations, and for dwindling supplies and aid.
Gas outages in Louisiana reported by GasBuddy.com showed only a handful of gas stations open across the state. Overnight, people waited in long lines at the few stations that were open to fuel their vehicles.
One family told CNN they’re running low on food and with the heat indices expected to reach 108 degrees in the coming days, their main priority is monitoring the health of a child who has a heart condition.
Photo: Getty Images
“This is not a livable condition,” Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng told the news organization on Tuesday (August 31). Authorities gave a six-week timeline for total power restoration in the parish, though that date is not a guarantee in some areas, putting a strain on already depleted supplies.
On Monday (August 30), President Joe Biden spoke on the federal resources headed to the area to help people impacted by the storm. The president said FEMA and other federal agencies were coordinating more than 2 million meals, damage survey equipment, and more to assist in recovery.
To donate to organizations assisting people impacted by Hurricane Ida, please click here.
If you or someone you know has been directly impacted by Hurricane Ida, click here for a list of available resources.
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