On the anniversary of Katrina, Hurricane Ida hit New Orleans but this time many people heeded the warnings and evacuated.
Though the updated levees held in most areas, where they failed created flooding called ‘brown Ocean’ because the ground was already so soaked.
Louisiana Governor Edwards said rescue crews would not be able to immediately help those who were stranded, and warned the state could see weeks of recovery.
‘Many, many people are going to be tested in ways that we can only imagine today,’ he said, but added: ‘There is always light after darkness, and I can assure you we are going to get through this.’
On Sunday the entire city lost power and the utility companies have warned it could take ‘days to weeks’ to restore power in some areas.
The Louisiana National Guard sent in nearly 5,000 guardsmen, staged 195 high-water vehicles, 73 rescue boats and 34 helicopters ready to assist in the recovery efforts, it tweeted last night, with guardsmen beginning search and rescue missions.