Hurricane Gustav Damage in Alexandria, La., Tops $25M

Officials say Hurricane Gustav inflicted more than $25 million worth of damage in Alexandria, La., when it blew through in early September.

About half of that amount came from estimated damage caused by roof collapses at the Alexandria Mall during Gustav.

The estimate exceeding more than $25 million does not include damage from wind and falling trees to individual homes nor does it include individuals’ costs related to power outages.

The city has released its “Initial Report on Hurricane Gustav,” which detailed preliminary damage assessments as well as ways city officials can improve response in the future.

The report indicates estimates given are “very preliminary'” but that as many as 300 homes in the city were flooded in addition to 100 to 150 homes in unincorporated “islands” in the city.

The city estimates damage to be $6 million to residential homes, basing that on each home needing $20,000 in repairs, and $2.5 million for the unincorporated residences.

Information from: Alexandria Daily Town Talk, www.thetowntalk.com