Lafourche Parish Residents are Fighting Fatigue Almost a Month After Hurricane Ida

A north Larose neighborhood that endured a ten-foot storm surge is dealing with almost a foot of sludge and standing water. Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson said the Industrial Park neighborhood was inundated with muck and mud from marsh waters that made it over the levees.

“There’s probably about eight inches of mud all over about a third of the neighborhood as you get towards the lower areas in the back,” said Chaisson.

Chaisson said the Corps of Engineers, municipal crews, and private contractors are working to help clear roads, drainage ditches in addition to resident’s yards. He expects it will take another three weeks.

Another issue parish officials are facing is getting answers from FEMA on long-term housing expectations. Chaisson said after posting his frustration on social media he’s now getting feedback.

“I guess after the tirade on Facebook and getting a little aggravated with them last week they’ve made some movement. FEMA has opened up a mission for long-term housing,” said Chaisson.

After almost four weeks since Ida made landfall, Chaisson said he completely understands that residents are frustrated and tired, but he tries to encourage them to remain hopeful.

“Because it is fatigue, it’s having to look at a house that’s molding, it’s having to look at a house that half or all of your roof is gone. But we’re going to get it together, we’re going to do it together and we’re going to rebuild bigger and better,” said Chaisson.