Isaac Steers Clear of Direct Blow on New Orleans
Rural Louisiana and parts of Mississippi face severe flooding from the storm-
Water covers a rooftop after Hurricane Isaac flooded homes with 10 feet of water in Braithwaite, La. on Wednesday. (AP)
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Isaac's whistling winds lashed this city and the storm dumped nearly a foot of rain on its desolate streets, but the system of levee pumps, walls and gates appeared to withstand one of the stiffest challenges yet. To the north and south, though, people had to be evacuated or rescued as Isaac lingered over Louisiana.
The rain fell almost constantly for more than a day, flooding neighborhoods in a rural part of the state and in neighboring Mississippi. Officials had to respond quickly because the waters were rising fast - even as Isaac meandered slowly northward Thursday on a path toward Arkansas.
President Barack Obama declared federal emergencies in Louisiana and Mississippi late Wednesday, according to a statement from the White House. The disaster declarations free up federal aid for affected areas.
No comments:
Post a Comment