The reports out of Grand Isle are catastrophic. Jefferson Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng said she’s received dismal news from site visits of the barrier island, which was the state’s only habitable barrier island.
“Unfortunately, he says he believes the island is uninhabitable. There’s three feet of sand across the entire island. This is a result of ten to 12 breaks in the levee on the gulf side. 100% of the structures are damaged,” said Sheng.
Sheng said the only people on the island are the mayor, the police chief, and some first responders. Because there is no means of communication on the island right now, Sheng said they will be setting up a system to relay information to the residents of Grand Isle who she knows are anxious to receive word.
Jefferson Parish Councilman Ricky Templet said they’ve found 15 breaches in Burrito Levee that need to be addressed immediately because we are at the height of hurricane season. Despite the total devastation of Grand Isle, Templet said there is some bright news.
“As of now no reported loss of life, that is impressive, and that storm of a category four with having 60 plus people stay on that island I think is the great news in all of this,” said Templet.
Templet said there are updates on Jefferson Parish Facebook page, and he encourages residents to check for updates.
Jefferson Parish Director of Fire Services Bryn Adams wants to discourage any sightseers from visiting the area because it hinders responders’ ability to enter and exit the island. Adams said due to the lack of water on the island they are also unable to respond to any fires and there is a strong odor of natural gas on Grand Isle. Adams said it will be several years before the island recovers.
“We’ve got a lot of work to do, a lot of hard, hard work to do, it’s very hot, it will take a long time. But it’s probably going to be a three or four or five-year process putting it back to where it was so,” said Adams
Sheng is encouraging those who are still in Jefferson Parish to leave and the parish remains under a 6 pm to 6 am curfew.
Comments