Louisiana, Aug 30: Hurricane Ida is the strongest storm to hit Louisiana in at least 165 years. It is a category 4 storm with winds up to 150 m/h (or 240 km/h). The storm intensified as it travelled through the warmest waters in the northern Gulf of Mexico, where it picked up speed and its winds increased from 50 m/h (or 80 km/h) to 150 m/h. The authorities have closed more than 200 floodgates (to keep the dam water in control and avoid flooding) and more than 5000 National Guard Members have been deployed to help in relief efforts. Hurricane Ida made landfall in Louisiana on the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
