WASHINGTON – After touring Louisiana last week, President Biden is traveling to hard-hit New York and New Jersey Tuesday to see the damage caused by Hurricane Ida.
More than half a million people are still without power as the death toll climbs to at least 69 people in eight states.
In both New York and New Jersey, Biden has approved disaster declarations.
"The major disaster declaration means individuals are now eligible for money in those counties," said New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy as he toured some of the damage in his state over the weekend.
In Louisiana, the National Guard is using floating bridges to reach cut-off areas.
The City of New Orleans has evacuated several long-term senior nursing facilities after residents were found living in the dark and sweltering heat. Some were even trapped on upper floors.
New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell is promising accountability after five residents died in privately run facilities.
"What we found was unacceptable and accountability will be across the board," said Cantrell in a news conference.
Help Operation Blessing Send Emergency Relief to Disaster Victims
So far, power has been restored to two-thirds of New Orleans but other parts of the state could be in the dark for several more weeks.
CBN's Operation Blessing is on the ground in Houma, Louisiana helping with clean up and delivering much-needed supplies and meals.
We are so grateful for the volunteers and staff who are on the frontlines in Louisiana working hard to help families recover from #HurricaneIda.
Even if you're not local, you can still help with disaster relief efforts. Help disaster victims today: https://t.co/NWNtOK5ZVg pic.twitter.com/kYOl6MzL7l
— Operation Blessing (@operationbless) September 6, 2021
"Our volunteers have gone out to the field to clean up debris, muck and gut houses, put tarps on roofs and even today we were able to go to the Houma, Louisiana Police Department and deliver 150 meals to a very hungry police department," explained Blake Mueller with Operation Blessing.
Operation Blessing is on the ground in Houma, Louisiana providing critical supplies to those in need after #HurricaneIda. Volunteers are needed to assist! Learn more https://t.co/IKYzGcrxem pic.twitter.com/l4kIQ4Fz5c
— Operation Blessing (@operationbless) September 5, 2021
Given the pandemic, reconstruction efforts are expected to take more time and cost more due to material delays.
Back in Washington, lawmakers from both parties are pointing to Ida's devastation as reason for updating the country's infrastructure.
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