New Hurricane Ida Updates and Relief Options

In a devastating turn of events, Hurricane Ida swept through Louisiana Sunday, August 29, leaving behind destruction and great loss. Updates are coming in and revealing that millions of people are still without power, and there are more confirmed deaths. Videos are surfacing of the catastrophic hit marking Hurricane Ida, the fifth-strongest hurricane in the U.S., one of the three hurricanes strong enough to reverse the flow of the Mississippi River.

As the remnants of #Ida approach the Mid-Atlantic, significant and life-threatening flooding impacts are expected. A High Risk of excessive rainfall has been outlooked for portions of the Northeast Wednesday through early Thursday. pic.twitter.com/8TS2ScrHDn

— National Weather Service (@NWS) August 31, 2021

As the days go by, the heavy rainstorm and floods are threatening to do more destruction, moving into Tennessee, Ohio, and the Mid-Atlantic. The Atlantic Daily reports that “Ida went from tropical depression to Category 4 hurricane in just 74 hours.” President Biden declared Hurricane Ida a disaster that needs federal assistance to fund rescue efforts. 

Ida went from tropical depression to Category 4 hurricane in just 74 hours. Future storms could do the same, @mimbsy writes. Cities don’t have enough time to run from that kind of weather. https://t.co/XluKNvQeiq

— The Atlantic (@TheAtlantic) August 31, 2021

Citizens have been turning to social media to report the addresses of those trapped in their houses or in the middle of the tropical storm in hopes of rescuing them from the flood. However, there are many more ways to help:

1. New Orlean officials urge people to donate to United Way of Southeast Louisiana or the Greater New Orleans Foundation. 
2. Donations can also be sent to a GoFundMe set up for Hurricane Ida relief.
3. Imagine WaterWorks is another organization helping with relief efforts and it is led by natives and members of the LGBTQIA+ community in New Orleans. 
4. Rebuilding Together is also taking donations as well as contributions to their Amazon wish list of supplies that will be sent to people in need. 
5. If you are not in a financially stable spot to make donations, volunteering with Mutual Aid Disaster Relief is also of great help. These organizations need more people on the ground to help pass out masks, food, toiletries, blankets, etc. 

However, relief does not only come in the form of money or volunteering. You can also help by spreading correct information about shelters and aid hotlines.

American Red Cross is a great organization that provides shelter and supplies during natural disasters like Hurricane Ida. They can be reached by calling 211, 800-733-2767. American Red Cross also has an app that is more accessible. 

Spreading correct information on social media about where to donate, volunteer, or simply find shelter and food will help those in need tremendously. There is strength in numbers.

Please take the time today to look through the affiliated links to see how you can help those in need.