Ida death toll in Louisiana rises to 26; New Orleans lifts overnight curfew

Louisiana state officials added a tally of 11 to the death toll of Hurricane Ida, bumping up the number to 26 on Wednesday, according to US media reports. The casualties were reported between August 30 and Monday but were not recognised as storm-related by the Orleans Parish coroner so far.

The update from the state’s health department comes as the city of New Orleans lifted an overnight curfew while pushing the recovery work after the storm.

Lousiana’s health department said that out of the 11 newly reported deaths, nine were caused due to “excessive heat during an extended power outage”. Those who succumbed to these unfavourable conditions were between the ages of 64 and 79.

The remaining two deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning, according to AP reports citing health department officials.

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The death toll of Ida was last increased on Tuesday by 2 as two storm-related casualties were reported. A 71-year-old man died due to lack of oxygen during the power outage while one 68-year-old individual tripped off a roof while repairing damages caused by the Ida.

The overnight curfew in New Orleans, which was instated jointly by law enforcement authorities and Mayor LaToya Cantrell, was put in place late last month. The curfew was active between 8 pm and 6 am every day and was imposed due to increasing cases of theft and minor crime. 

Statewide, crews have now restored power to 600,000 of the 902,000 who lost electricity at the peak of Hurricane Ida, Entergy Louisiana President and CEO Phillip May said on a Wednesday conference call with reporters.

Meanwhile, in the city of New Orleans, the power company expected to have 90% of the city back online by Wednesday evening, said Entergy New Orleans President and CEO Deanna Rodriguez.