Thousands of Louisiana residents have fled to North Texas following the destructive aftermath of Hurricane Ida. The powerful storm of wind and rain touched down in Louisiana sending many to North Texas last weekend. Those without homes are still there with many back in Louisiana living without power.
Hurricane Ida has been deemed the second most powerful storm to hit Louisiana since Hurricane Katrina. Thousands evacuated to North Texas after the storm ravaged buildings and roadways. The storm took out power lines and left thousands without their homes. More than 5,000 transformers were destroyed with roughly 25,000 utility poles knocked down.
Evacuees of the state fled to North Texas where they continue to live in hotels. Hotels throughout Houston are said to be completely booked up. With nothing available, some families who fled the storm are now staying in Dallas with children, family members, pets and whatever they could manage to save and grab during the storm.
Many worry what will become of their homes and yards, as well as their jobs. They are unsure when they will return to Louisiana and what they will find when they do with many roadways blocked.
Currently, more than 500,000 residents who stayed in the state of Louisiana are still without power with thirteen total deaths reported. Dallas officials and residents have since helped with relief efforts for those who lost everything in the storm.
A Home Depot in Dallas created hurricane relief kits for more than 700. The Texas Baptist Men’s Group traveled to Louisiana where they have set up a camp, cooking meals daily for thousands. The group of volunteers also brought emergency vehicles with them and equipment to help locals in need. Texas Motor Speedway has also opened its grounds for those looking to sleep and shower.
The North Texas based disaster relief company AdvantaClean is also on the ground in Louisiana after receiving hundreds of calls from residents in need. The company headed to Louisiana with a 53-foot truck equipped with portable power and dehumidifiers.