Biden Vows to Support Louisiana, Mississippi With Hurricane Aid

(Bloomberg) -- President Joe Biden vowed Monday to continue providing federal support in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, which made landfall south of New Orleans and has left more than a million homes and businesses without power.

“We’re providing any help that you’re going to need,” Biden said at the White House. “We’re going to stand with you and the people of the gulf as long as it takes you to recover.”

Biden met virtually with Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves. The White House has said that the president is being regularly updated about the storm’s course and impact, and he visited FEMA headquarters in Washington for a briefing on Sunday as Ida made landfall. 

The storm is testing the Biden administration at a time when the president’s approval ratings are sagging. Biden has faced heavy criticism from lawmakers in recent weeks, particularly Republicans, over his handling of the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan. 

As Ida moved inland, it was downgraded to a tropical storm. It’s moving north and unleashing heavy rain that could total 2 feet when all is said and done.

Ida made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sunday about 60 miles south of New Orleans. The city’s 911 emergency response system is down and streets are blocked by fallen trees and other debris. Officials urged residents to stay indoors as fires burned.

More than 5,200 members of the National Guard have been deployed to assist with rescue and relief efforts.

Analysts estimate that Ida’s damage could cost insurers at least $15 billion. Nearly all oil and natural gas production in the Gulf of Mexico was halted over the weekend while about 12% of U.S. oil refining capacity was shut or brought to reduced rates at plants along the Mississippi River.

©2021 Bloomberg L.P.