"HOUMA, La. - Storm damage from Ida astounded officials on Wednesday three days after the powerful hurricane pounded southern Louisiana, as reconnaissance flights revealed entire communities devastated by winds and floods.

With President Joe Biden due to survey the destruction for himself on Friday, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards issued a plea for emergency supplies to assist a million homes and businesses without power, as well as 600,000 people without water.

The number of fatalities rose to six on Wednesday following the confirmed deaths of two electricity workers in Alabama who had been repairing the power grid, according to an executive with utilities provider Pike Electric."

Devika Krishna Kumar reports for Reuters September 2, 2021. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Ida Exposes Weak Infrastructure As Storms Grow Stronger" (E&E News) [3]

"Ida Evacuees Are Told to Stay Away From Louisiana Cities in Crisis" (New York Times) [4]

"After Ida, Small Recovery Signs Amid Daunting Destruction" (AP) [5]

"Before And After Images Show The Devastation From Hurricane Ida" (Washington Post) [6]

"Damage From Hurricane Ida Could Reach $80 Billion, Accuweather Estimates" (CBS News) [7]