Two more heat-related deaths tied to Hurricane Ida power outages

Louisiana officials have confirmed that two more people died from excessive heat tied to Hurricane Ida’s power outages. 

The Louisiana Department of Health said the newest fatalities included a 69-year-old man and an 85-year-old woman. It raises the total number of deaths from the hurricane to 28.

“East Baton Rouge parish coroner has confirmed 2 storm-related deaths: the deaths of a 69yo male and an 85yo female. Both died due to excessive heat during an extended power outage,” the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) said in a tweet on Monday. 

“This brings the number of #Hurricane_Ida deaths to 28 & the number of heat-specific deaths to 12.” 

East Baton Rouge parish coroner has confirmed 2 storm-related deaths: the deaths of a 69yo male and an 85yo female. Both died due to excessive heat during an extended power outage. This brings the number of #Hurricane_Ida deaths to 28 & the number of heat-specific deaths to 12.

— Louisiana Department of Health (@LADeptHealth) September 13, 2021

The Category 4 hurricane knocked out power for hundreds of thousands of people in Louisiana, according to the Advocate.  An excessive heat advisory was issued days after the tropical storm made landfall, the Advocate reported. 

Louisiana’s Department of Health on Tuesday also revoked the license of seven nursing homes that were owned by Bob Dean, who sent 800 residents to a warehouse during the hurricane. Seven of those residents died in the wake of the hurricane, while dozens more were hospitalized.