It’s been 10 days since Hurricane Ida hit. Not much has changed in the town of Laplace. Lots of trees and downed powerlines still fill the streets. Ninety-four percent of St. John the Baptist Parish is still without power, and officials said it would take many days before it comes back.

“I have some roof damage. The water came in from my roof and flooded downstairs,” said Debbie of Laplace.

Wednesday cleanup was well underway. Members of the Louisiana National Guard were seen giving out food, ice and water in several locations across St. John.

Debbie said, “I am really appreciative all of the men and women who are out here helping us. I do not know what we would do without them.”

Emery Dents said, “They are great. Very great. We need them. I am not going to have power for a while. I am not going to have a home for a while.”

Just behind Airline Highway, lots of neighborhoods are still in shambles, including Emery Dents’. He lives along Cambridge Drive. Two trees fell his family’s home the night of the storm.

“This one fell first the smaller one. Then the bigger one fell going into the bedroom right there. There is a big hole in that bedroom right there. And water is just coming in,” Dents said.

The home is unlivable for Dents and his wife. They are now staying with neighbors while trying to rebuild. Which shows the strong sense of community out in Laplace.

“Anytime there is a disaster like this the community comes together. Usually, we are on the helping side of this but now it is our turn,” Dents said.

It will be a long road to rebuilding throughout Southeast Louisiana. But many residents said they are relieved that conditions were not much worse.

“It could have been worse for me and it could have been worse for a lot of people. A lot of people, it was worst. I saw babies the morning after with nothing but diapers on. It broke my heart. Those are the people I worry about,” Debbie said.

Officials are urging residents to contact FEMA for assistance. Contact FEMA.gov or call 1-800-621-3362.

Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images