By Curtis Drafton | Veteran Response Team Leader
Hurricane Laura has devastated Lake Charles and Cameron.
We arrived 6 hours before the storm and at 1am the storm hit as a Category 4. Streets were under 24 inches water in less than 3 hours. Storm surge was easily 15 feet, so breaching was inevitable. After the first wave of rain bands most streets were impassable.
We had more than 120 mile per hour winds and most trees, power poles and structures over 20 feet tall were uprooted or severely compromised.
Residents all over Cameron, Lake Charles and Hackberry lost power day 1 and will more than likely be without electricity, food, water (and basic necessities) for weeks or months.
The National Guard is on site, however FEMA and Red Cross were not in the area as of 8am Friday.
Also, due to COVID, there were not evacuation shelters. This contributed to many people staying home and having as many rescue calls that we have had.
All necessities are needed right now by residents.
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