Recovery Efforts Continue for Hurricane Ida

As Troopers and emergency response workers from across the country continue post-storm recovery operations, Troopers are honored to partner with local, state, and out of state public safety agencies. #Ida @ARStatePolice @FLHSMV @GOHSEP @La_DOTD @LouisianaGov pic.twitter.com/4xTkjo6Hap

— LA State Police (@LAStatePolice) September 5, 2021

Rescue and recovery efforts are still ongoing after Hurricane Ida ravaged many parts of the Gulf Coast and caused flash flooding in several northeastern states.

In Louisiana, the Category 4 storm left more than one million people without power, and state officials confirmed a total of 13 deaths. 

Prior to the storm, local utility company Entergy anticipated mobilizing a team of 16,000 to restore power across Louisiana using high-water vehicles, rear-alley machines, marsh buggies, drones, and helicopters. On Monday, Entergy announced that its anticipated storm team grew to nearly 26,000, restoring power to 457,000 of Entergy's customers — eight days after Ida made landfall.

As of press time, more than 500,000 residents are still without power, according to the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

Crews are working throughout the areas impacted by Hurricane Ida, including in St. John and St. Charles parishes. We will continue to work as quickly and safely as possible to restore power to all customers. pic.twitter.com/EMqbUcikpL

— Entergy Louisiana (@EntergyLA) September 6, 2021

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards announced on Aug. 30 that the state would also use high-water vehicles, boats, and helicopters to assist with search and rescue efforts, in addition to receiving support from local first responders and Federal Emergency Management (FEMA) teams from various other states, such as New York. 

According to USA Today, the Louisiana National Guard reportedly activated a total of 4,900 personnel and lined up 195 high-water vehicles, 73 rescue boats, and 34 helicopters. Meanwhile, troopers from Louisiana State Police teamed up with Arkansas State Police and Florida Highway Patrol to help clear fallen trees; cover damaged roofs; and pass out food, water, and other supplies. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development also worked to clear storm-related debris and is currently conducting damage assessments in impacted areas.

Working with @La_DOTD our engineer work teams are actively engaged throughout 11 parishes and have assessed 2,112 miles and cleared 403 miles of roadway from Hurricane #Ida. #ProtectWhatMatters @GOHSEP pic.twitter.com/KZ0qT9jnsc

— LA National Guard (@LANationalGuard) September 1, 2021

As the remnants of Ida headed up north — after being re-categorized as a tropical storm — several states, including Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, suffered severe flooding, and in some cases, tornadoes.

The New Jersey National Guard began conducting search and rescue missions on Sept. 3 throughout flooded parts of northern and central New Jersey. On Tuesday, New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy said that FEMA teams were still on the ground in Essex, Hudson, Mercer, and Union counties to evaluate damages from Ida.

In Passaic County, New Jersey, half of the North Haledon Police Department’s fleet, including seven motorcycles, was damaged after stormwater flooded the department’s municipal garage and parking lot, according to NorthJersey.com. Officials are still assessing the cost of damage to other fleet equipment stored in the department’s facility.