Hurricane Ida Death Toll Rises to 26

Health officials reported the death toll in Louisiana has reached 26 on Wednesday. A total of eight male and three females had reportedly died due to excessive heat caused by power outages along with carbon monoxide poisoning.
According to the Orleans Parish Coroner’s office, 11 deaths were reported between 30th August and 6th September. Hurricane Ida yet remains one of the most powerful hurricanes to make landfall in the U.S Gulf Coast, causing extreme flooding and damage throughout the region.
Over 270,000 people faced power outages for extended periods of time in Louisiana. The state had to reschedule its elections due to the damage caused by the hurricane. The elections are expected to take place on the 13th of November instead of the original date of 9th October.
President Biden visited the sites of the deadly floods last Tuesday. Hurricane Ida was a result of climate change similar to the recent forest fires seen in the nation. Over 100 million Americans have been affected by natural disasters this summer. Biden has pushed for investments to build infrastructure and protect the environment.
The president promised federal aid to the hard-hit areas and is encouraging people to unite. On the other hand, oil production was also greatly affected by the hurricane. More than three quarters of oil production in the Gulf remained suspended due to power outages.

©Photo: Marco Bello, Reuters