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Hurricane Ida: White House says 2,000 FEMA employees deployed to affected states

Along with Incident Management Assistance Teams and Urban Search and Rescue teams, FEMA springs into action are Hurricane Ida rages on

As Hurricane Ida quickly approaches the status of a Category 5 hurricane with winds reaching up to 150mph, residents of South Louisana have been urged to take immediate cover.

With 'tornado-like damage' expected across St. Bernard Parish, St. Charles Parish, Terrebonne Parish, Lafourche Parish, Jefferson Parish and Plaquemines Parish, Hurricane Ida is expected to leave a wake of destruction, as footage pours in from various parts of the state. Hurricane Ida arrives on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which destroyed the Gulf Coast, resulting in 1,800 deaths and $125 billion in damage.

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In response to the current conditions and the developing intensity of the hurricane, Ronald Klain, White House Chief of Staff tweeted that help is on its way for the affected states as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) moves into action. "Emergency declarations for LA & MS already signed. - 2,000 FEMA employees already deployed to AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, TX - 7 FEMA Incident Management Assistance Teams now in LA & MS. - 13 Urban Search and Rescue teams deployed - 100 ambulances / EMS teams activated" he tweeted. 

"FEMA assistance arrived in Alexandria, Louisiana for Hurricane Ida, with supply trucks and generators being shipped to the state in preparation of the storm's impact. https://abcn.ws/3kwDnmg" tweeted ABC news, with video footage of supply trucks sent out to help those who were unable to leave Louisiana. 

As Hurricane Ida grows to a Category 5 hurricane, the affected areas can expect to see high-intensity winds and flash floods. "Ida will continue to produce heavy rainfall today through Monday across the central Gulf Coast from southeast Louisiana,coastal Mississippi,and far southwestern Alabama, resulting in considerable to life-threatening flash and urban flooding and significant river flooding impacts." tweeted the National Weather Service. 

As reported by ABC news, the conditions of the hurricane are strengthening as the eyewall approaches Louisiana's shore. Shell Beach reported 6 feet of storm surge, and southern Mississippi reported a 5.4 feet surge. 

FEMA has also listed a range of resources on their website, all of which can be accessed via this link. In addition, the website also offers Louisiana residents storm updates via text - message "IDA" to 67283.