USA TODAY International Edition
New Orleans recovering from violent tornado
Katrina- hit area takes brunt from EF- 3 twister
Hundreds of New Orleans area residents sifted through debris Wednesday as recovery efforts ramped up after a ferocious tornado with winds up to 165 mph tore through the same area Hurricane Katrina ravaged 12 years ago.
Four tornadoes struck parts of southeastern Louisiana on Tuesday, injuring dozens. New Orleans East, home to the Katrina- devastated 9th Ward, suffered the greatest damage when the violent winds swept through, destroying homes and businesses, flipping cars and trucks and leaving thousands without power.
No deaths were reported, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said. More than 30 people were injured, six of them with moderate to severe wounds, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu said.
Broken wood, downed power lines and nails lay outside Charron Carmouche’s house as a grim reminder of what happened hours before. “My sister and my little nephew were in the house, in the tub,” Carmouche said. “Somebody had to kick in the door to rescue them.”
Kim Le said her backyard was “completely demolished.” At her parent’s house, a neighbor’s roof now sits on the top of their home. “My mom’s bathroom is caved in because of the damage,” she said.
Le’s father, Francis, lived through Katrina but said he’s never seen anything like this. Despite the damage to his home and lack of electricity, he plans on lighting candles and staying put.
“I’ve been living here about 20 years,” Le said. “I’ve never seen a tornado over here.”
The National Weather Service sent survey teams Wednesday across Louisiana to determine the strength and paths of the twisters. The weather service said the New Orleans East tornado ranked as an EF- 3, with winds of 136 to 165 mph.
Edwards issued a disaster declaration for the affected area, adding he was heartbroken to see those who endured Katrina suffering again, the Associated Press reported. He promised the state would provide the affected residents with the resources they need as quickly as possible. New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu also declared a state of emergency for the City of New Orleans.