'Texas is sending emergency resources': Abbott pledges Hurricane Ida aid

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott stated on Aug. 30 that he has ordered emergency resources and personnel to be deployed to Louisiana, which had been hit by Hurricane Ida.

Labelled as one of the biggest storms to hit Louisiana since 1850 by Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards, Ida made landfall along its southeastern coastline at Category 4 strength around noon on Aug. 29, which was also the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina's landfall.

"Texas is sending emergency resources and personnel to Louisiana to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Ida," Abbott said in a post to his Twitter account on Aug. 30. "We will never forget the kindness, generosity and support offered by Louisiana during Hurricane Harvey four years ago. When neighbors help neighbors, America is stronger."

At the Federal level, President Joe Biden also commented on the situation in the wake of Ida. He said that the federal government has equipment ready to help Louisiana after the storm passes the state. 

"This is going to be a devastating, devastating hurricane," Biden said. 

The storm caused all of the City of New Orleans to go dark, as well as claimed at least one life. Powerless residents may not have their services restored until weeks later. Biden has pledged federal aid to the storm-stricken Pelican state. According to CBS News, the storm's top speed was 145 miles an hour and it settled down into a Category 1 storm by 1 a.m. 

CBS News reported that there were warnings of storm surge from the National Hurricane Center during the day. The storm was 45 miles southwest of New Orleans on the night of Aug. 29 and at least one roof was blown off a building in the French Quarter. New Orleans city officials say that they have improved the city's system of levees following the catastrophic flooding of Hurricane Katrina 16 years ago. 

ABC News reports that Ida is one of the strongest hurricanes ever to make landfall in Louisiana. As of Aug. 30, power in the city has not been restored and there is standing water. Nonetheless, city officials believe the storm did not have the same impact as Katrina.