Hurricane Ida Devastates South

MAYOR CHOKWE ANTAR LUMUMBA (D) JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: Presently, we have been experiencing consistent rain. The wind has increased over the last few hours and we have residents who have experienced power outrages sporadically across the city. There are some areas where there are downed tree limbs and downed power lines. But as it stands at this present moment, we have seen any catastrophic events.

BIANNA GOLODRYGA: The storm has been downgraded, but no one should be fooled by its wrath and some of the damage that it could ensue. We’re talking about wind gusts 70 to 90 miles an hour. What are you most concerned about, especially when you see the images out of New Orleans, which is a city that is dark right now?

LUMUMBA: Well, I want our residents to be aware that a tropical storm can still administer pretty severe damage to a city. We’re still concerned about flooding potentially taking place within our city, particularly around the flood prone areas and we’re concerned about potential debris that may be associated with those high winds. We’re advising our residents that they should not go into standing water. Don’t walk, swim or drive in that standing water and we’re asking that any resident that lives in a flood prone area, that they seek higher ground. And that has been our advice over the last couple of days. We’ve been issuing sandbags since yesterday morning and we continue to have our public works, our police department and our fire departments out not only assessing danger but trying to mitigate the threats.

GOLODRYGA: As of now, though, no signs of major power outrages, correct?

LUMUMBA: Well, We have sparse power outrages across the city, but as it stands presently, the majority of our residents still have power. We know that we’re not out of the woods yet, and, so, we’re maintaining the discipline that we have asked our residents to maintain throughout this storm event.

GOLODRYGA: And we are expecting to hear from President Biden on Storm Ida and in talking about some of the aftermath there, the images we have seen are horrific in parts of Louisiana. I know you have been in touch with the White House as well. What has that conversation been like? What resources are you asking for, if any?

LUMUMBA: Well, I’m fortunate to have been invited to a call that will take place shortly. So I’m grateful that the White House is concerned about the impacts across the Coastal States. To date, I don’t know what that conversation will entail, but I want to be supportive and continue to ask for resources that help support not only our residents in the midst of this storm but make certain that we build ourselves to be more resilient.