The city of Lake Charles took a beating not once but twice with hurricanes in 2020: Laura came first in late August, causing widespread destruction with its Category 4 winds of 150 mph. Six weeks later, Hurricane Delta just added insult to injury.
Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter said recovery efforts have come a long way in four months; however, there is still a long way to go.
"Because of the magnitude of what hit us, a Category 4 and then a Category 2 just six weeks later, we are still a long way from being fully recovered," said Hunter.
Hunter said as for federal recovery efforts, it is still too early to judge. He said while FEMA has responded well with some things, "there are some things they have not done well. We’re at a stage now we should be further along with providing stable, temporary housing."
In addition to housing, Hunter said another major factor for the city's recovery is major employers’ commitment to stay and rebuild.
"My office has visited with dozens of the major employers and we’re happy to report that all of them have said they are coming back, said Hunter. "They’re bringing their employees back and they’re rebuilding."
Overall, Hunter is optimistic about the recovery of Lake Charles, because its residents and business community are resilient.