President Joe Biden has declared Louisiana a “major disaster” zone on Monday, as the state lies battered in the wake of Hurricane Francine.
The official declaration meant Biden could order that federal aid be used to help the state as it launches a cleanup operation. Hundreds of thousands of residents were left without power to heat or light their homes last week, as fierce winds and lashing rain buffeted the state, and hundreds were forced to flee to local shelters.
The National Hurricane Center said the Category 2 storm slammed into southern Louisiana around 5 p.m. on September 11, downing power lines and sparking flash flooding amid wind speeds nearing 96 mph. The weather system was eventually downgraded to a tropical storm, as it lost much of its power overnight.
A fallen tree blocking an intersection as Hurricane Francine made landfall in Houma, Louisiana, on September 11. On Monday, President Joe Biden declared Louisiana a “major disaster” zone.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
A news briefing released by the White House on September 16 said: “The President’s action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne.
“Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.
“Federal funding also is available to state, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work in the parishes of Ascension, Assumption, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Mary, and Terrebonne. Finally, Federal funding is available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures statewide.”
Sandra L. Eslinger of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has been appointed to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas, the briefing said.
Newsweek has contacted the office of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry by email for further information and comment.
Francine is the sixth named storm of the 2024 hurricane season. Forecasters previously predicted that this year would have an above-normal season, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration forecasting 17 to 25 named storms. The hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean spans from the start of June through the end of November.
Louisiana residents and business owners who sustained losses in areas covered by the disaster declaration should apply for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362) or by using the official FEMA app.
