President Donald Trump approved Gov. John Bel Edwards’ request for a federal disaster declaration in Louisiana after Tuesday’s bout of severe weather.
Edwards’ office said Saturday that the president approved the declaration for Orleans and Livingston parishes. Additional parishes could be added once damage assessments are completed in Louisiana.
The governor requested the Trump administration approve a disaster declaration for several parishes in southeast Louisiana, including Jefferson, Ascension and Orleans parishes. State leaders have been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to survey damage after Tuesday’s tornadoes.
“This declaration is key to getting assistance into the hands of the families who’ve been impacted,” Edwards said.
“Everyone, from the local, state and federal level, have been instrumental in responding to these tornadoes.”
Mayor Mitch Landrieu said the emergency declaration will help people in New Orleans East begin the rebuilding process. He said the governor’s office and other state agencies have been on the ground working to get assistance to those who need it.
“I also want to thank the Trump administration for granting it quickly. This will be critical as we move from response to recovery,” Landrieu said.