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US President Joe Biden visits the headquarters of the US Civil Protection Agency Fema in Washington
Photo: SAUL LOEB / AFP
Even after about four hours over the southern US state of Louisiana, the dangerous hurricane »Ida« lost only a small amount of its strength.
The cyclone continues to bring maximum sustained wind speeds of around 215 kilometers per hour and even stronger gusts, said the national hurricane center in Miami on Sunday afternoon.
When it hit the coast southwest of the city of New Orleans, the force four out of five hurricane initially brought wind speeds of around 150 miles per hour with it.
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A hurricane of this level usually causes "catastrophic damage."
"Ida" was supposed to weaken further over the country over the course of Sunday.
If the wind speed remained below 209 kilometers per hour, "Ida" would be downgraded to a force three hurricane.
After "Ida", the US government will help with all its might
"To the people of the Gulf Coast, I want you to know: We pray for the best outcome and prepare for the worst," said US President Joe Biden on Sunday during a visit to the headquarters of the US civil protection agency Fema in Washington .
"As soon as the storm is over, we will use all the might of this country to rescue and rebuild."
kim / dpa