New Orleans Avoids Major Floods Despite Hurricane Ida

Early Monday morning, Hurricane Ida steadily moved inland, resulting in the death of one person. Local authorities have asked for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to be made.

According to a report by UPI, the first death connected to Hurricane Ida was announced by Ascension Parish’s sheriff’s office, which has jurisdiction to the area just south of Baton Rouge, one of the places hardest-hit by the storm.

The sheriff’s office revealed on its official Facebook page that local deputies received reports of a resident who was possibly injured by a fallen tree near a home. The deputies arrived on the scene to find the said person already deceased.

Louisiana’s Health Department confirmed the casualty, revealing that the victim was a 60-year-old man.

Connected to this incident, Gov. John Bel Edwards released a tweet revealing that they have recorded the first death connected to Ida in Louisiana. He also asked residents to stay safe.

Officials Ask for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration Following the Onslaught of Hurricane Ida

On Sunday, the governor also requested for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to be made in response to the havoc wrought by Ida.

According to UPI, he said that Hurricane Ida is one of the strongest storms that has hit the state of Louisiana. Edwards also laid out their goal to help local agencies and residents as swift as possible. To do this, he said that they have pre-positioned teams, boats, and other assets connected to search and rescue so that they can start helping people as soon as they deem it safe.

The governor also revealed that rescue teams would not be able to help stranded individuals immediately while the storm continued to rage. Additionally, Edwards warned Louisiana to prepare for recovery that may last for weeks.

On Sunday, the National Weather Service warned residents living in and around Braithwaite to look for higher ground as soon as possible. This comes after the government of the Plaquemines Parish mentioned that it had received reports of a levee close to the Parish line and Wit Ditch could possibly overtop.

Until conditions become safe, the New Orleans Emergency Management Services has suspended all of its operations.

As reported by the Associated Press, on Monday, Ida had top sustained winds at 60 miles per hour. Forecasters mentioned that this would weaken quickly throughout the morning as it dumps torrential rain over a large area.

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