Food distribution sites open in Ouachita after hurricane; power outages may last for days - The News Star
Southern Louisiana and southeastern Texas were battered by 150 mph winds and "life-threatening storm surge" due to Hurricane Laura, Aug. 27, 2020. Wochit
Power outages across northeast Louisiana could continue for days as Entergy crews prioritize restoring power for emergency services and as many customers as possible.
Approximately 100,000 Entergy customers in northeast Louisiana alone lost power Thursday as Hurricane Laura toppled trees and downed power lines throughout the region.
Southwest and north Louisiana were the hardest-hit areas, and as of 6 p.m. Thursday, approximately 256,000 customers were without power.
Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis said there was serious damage to Entergy's transmission systems that needs to be repaired before service can be restored in some residential areas of the city.
He said residents may be without power through early next week.
Monroe is also planning to distribute food, water and tarps at the Civic Center later Friday. The city will share an update when distribution is ready to start.
Ellis said the Monroe Fire Department has advised residents using generators to keep the generator out of and away from the home to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning in the home.
Public Works crews are working on debris pickup, and anyone with down limbs ready to be removed can call 318-329-2209 to speak with public works.
Ellis also said volunteer crews who want to participate in cleanup activities need to report to Public Works or call to learn which areas are safe for passage.
"We still have a ton of lines that are down, and we don’t need further injuries because we are not taking precautions," Ellis said.
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In Monroe, Monroe Transit System operation was delayed Friday due to the storm. The city advises residents to check the SPOT app, Facebook and the local news for updates.
Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo is also closed until further notice due to storm damage and power outages.
Saturday's Community Volunteer Work Day sponsored by City Council Member Kema Dawson and the Zoological Society will still be held starting at 10 a.m. Many volunteers will be needed to help with clean-up after the storm. Volunteers should arrive at the zoo prior to 10 a.m.
The Community Affairs office is asking citizens to refrain from using any public parks until complete damage assessments can be made by city work crews. Time is needed to make sure equipment is safe and that fallen limbs and trees are removed prior to public use. Most parks should be open and ready for visitors by the middle of next week.
Garbage and trash collection for Friday is also postponed due to storm damage. The new schedule is to have the Thursday, August 27 route picked up on Saturday. Friday's route will be picked up Monday. Monday's route will be picked up Wednesday and all remaining routes are expected to operate on schedule.
In Union Parish, Farmerville City remained without power as of noon Friday with no known timeframe for power restoration.
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Emergency services offered in NELA
With thousands without power, a variety of emergency services are being offered in northeast Louisiana.
In Ouachita Parish, the Department of Homeland Security announced distribution locations for those needing food, water and ice. Distribution starts at 8 a.m. Friday at Sterlington High School, Richwood High School and Glenwood Mall.
The National Guard will distribute water and food Friday at 165 Fairgrounds Road in Ruston at the North Louisiana Exhibition Center. Distribution begins at 8:30 a.m. and will be limited to 5,000 vehicles.
Call United Way 2-1-1 for more resources available in NELA.
A tree crushes a Village of Mer Rouge police vehicle.
(Photo: Courtesy of MPSO)Ouachita Parish to begin debris collection
The collection effort in the unincorporated areas of the parish will only include storm debris such as vegetative debris (tree limbs, leaves) or construction debris (shingles, fence slats). The debris must be separated by type. Debris that did not result from Hurricane Laura – such as electronics, appliances, hazardous waste or household garbage will not be picked-up.
The Ouachita Parish Police Jury anticipates that the debris removal contractor will be in Ouachita Parish after Labor Day. This will allow residents time to place their debris at curbside for pickup. The debris must be placed in the road right of way, but NOT in a ditch or drainage catch basin.
The parish debris removal contractor will not pick up debris placed at roadside by other contractors. For example, if you have your roofed replaced, the roofing contractor is responsible for removal of all old shingles and related debris. If you hire a tree cutting service, the tree contractor should remove the cut tree.
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