This archive report was first published on 31 August 2021.
On Sunday, Hurricane Ida made landfall in southeastern Louisiana, bringing with it maximum sustained winds of 150 miles per hour and causing widespread destruction. The storm had already claimed at least three lives by Monday afternoon.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans urged residents who had evacuated not to return to the city until officials deemed it safe to do so. 'Now is not the time for re-entry into the city of New Orleans,' she said at a news conference on Monday afternoon.
Despite waters overtopping at least two levees outside of the city's flood reduction system, the levees protecting New Orleans held. However, the city now faces the challenge of widespread power outages, which are predicted to take days to restore.
Times photographers were on the ground in Louisiana, capturing the devastation caused by the storm. The authorities had rescued more than 70 people in Jean Lafitte and the surrounding communities.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Evacuees consoled one another after leaving Jean Lafitte, La. The authorities had rescued more than 70 people in Jean Lafitte and the surrounding communities.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents surveyed the damage in their neighborhoods, including in Wheel Estates Mobile Home Park in LaPlace, La., where houses were badly flooded.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Children waded through floodwater at Wheel Estates Mobile Home Park, while residents in Houma, La., surveyed the damage to their homes.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Temporary evacuation shelters were set up in Houma, La., to provide aid to those affected by the storm.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents began the process of clearing debris from their streets, including in New Orleans.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents surveyed the damage to their homes, including in Gray, La., where Tina LaCaze, 58, watched as her husband, James LaCaze, 62, retrieved belongings from their damaged home.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Businesses, including Troy Bonvillian's flooring company in Houma, La., were affected by the storm.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Debris lined the streets in Houma, La., as residents began the process of cleaning up.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents in New Orleans, La., sheltered in hotels after the city lost power.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents in Lake Charles, La., prepared for the storm by filling sandbags and covering windows with plastic.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Guests at the AC Hotel in New Orleans, La., peered out a window before the storm hit.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
The French Quarter in New Orleans, La., was almost empty as residents prepared for the storm.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents in New Iberia, La., made last-minute gas purchases before the storm hit.
Monday, Aug. 30 ¶
Residents in Gonzales, La., filled sandbags in preparation for the storm on Saturday.
