Disturbing new aerial photos show Hurricane’s Ida devastating impact on Louisiana, with whole blocks of homes turned into islands from storm surges that buried the region.
The photos show single-family homes in LaPlace in St. John the Baptist Parish in the New Orleans metro area, with house after house completely surrounded by water.
Other heart-wrenching images from throughout the region show toppled utility poles and trees, homes and a bowling alley in ruins, and distraught residents amid the ruins of their homes and businesses.
One couple is seen holding up a sign that reads “Homeless.”
“Need help. Hurricane took everything,” the cardboard sign reads. “Anything helps. Thank you and God bless you.”
Ida’s 150-mph winds ripped pieces from many of the roofs, while debris can be seen strewn about near several of the homes.
Homes in LaPlace, Louisiana, were damaged by Ida’s winds and rain when the Category 4 storm made landfall. EPA/TANNEN MAURYMore than 1 million people remain without power in southeastern Louisiana, including New Orleans, where rescue crews are battling scorching temperatures, fallen trees and power lines, and heavy flooding as they search for survivors in Ida’s aftermath.
“I can’t tell you when the power is going to be restored,” Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. “I can’t tell you when all the debris is going to be cleaned up and repairs made. But what I can tell you is we are going to work hard every day.”
The death toll from Ida sits at two, but Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards expects it to rise. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
Ida’s 150-mph winds ripped pieces from many of the roofs, causing serious damage to the structures. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
As temperatures rise to almost 106 degrees, almost 1 million people are stuck without power. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
Rescue crews are attempting to locate as many people as possible, but rising temperatures and debris from Ida keep getting in the way. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
A resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, attempts to clean up some storm damage. Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Residents of LaPlace, Louisiana, have been forced to flee their homes after flooding from Hurricane Ida. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
LaPlace was decimated by Hurricane Ida’s winds. EPA/TANNEN MAURY
Amy Voisin surveys a heavily damaged bowling alley after Hurricane Ida. AP Photo/David J. Phillip
Workers put a tarp on a roof to prevent further damage after Hurricane Ida ripped off several pieces. Scott Olson/Getty Images
A large portion of LaPlace is submerged due to floods caused by Hurricane Ida when it made landfall.
EPA/TANNEN MAURY
Water from broken pipes has also contributed substantially to flooding in certain areas of the state. Sean Rayford/Getty ImagesAt least two people have been confirmed dead in Louisiana, but Bel Edwards said Monday he expects the death toll to rise “considerably.”
Temperatures in New Orleans spiked to 105 degrees on Tuesday and are expected to reach 106 degrees on Wednesday, authorities said.
With Post wires
