In the midst of several unprecedented crises, Louisiana residents reportedly say that the severe damage caused by Hurricane Laura has failed to make a dent in the national news cycle.

According to local news source, nola.com, Hurricane Laura was a powerful storm that severely impacted the Gulf Coast. Indeed, according to some reports, Laura caused more damage than 2005’s Hurricane Rita. However, residents reportedly feel that the rest of the nation has failed to notice the devastation they now face.

The National Hurricane Center warned of a “catastrophic” storm surge as Laura made landfall on Thursday during the last week of August. NPR reports that the storm was one of a handful in recent years to increase in strength as it made landfall. Other such storms include Hurricanes Harvey and Michael.

Reported as one of the most powerful storms in recorded history, Laura left destruction in its path. CBS News reported that six people in Louisiana were killed as a result.

Laura made an initial hit on Louisiana as a Category 4 hurricane that eventually turned into a tropical depression that caused power outages for millions throughout the state, as well as Texas. In addition, the storm caused flooding and wind damage across the neighboring state of Arkansas.

The storm battered coastal communities in southwest Louisiana, including Lake Charles. Despite residents being without power and water for 10 days since the hurricane’s landfall, the mayor of the community told NPR reporters that he is concerned about the lack of national coverage of the damage caused by the event.

“We absolutely need our American brothers and sisters to realize that a great American city had a major blow,” Mayor Nic Hunter said to reporters. “I am begging, I am pleading for Americans not to forget about Lake Charles.”

The mayor of Lake Charles and other residents reportedly fear that the lack of national news coverage of the damage will result in less aid being sent to the area.

“The national coverage — it’s like it’s forgotten already. They gave us a little publicity for three or four days and now it seems like it’s completely off the radar,” an 86-year old resident and former area journalist told NOLA reporters. “If people nationwide had a better understanding of really how bad this thing is, I think the recovery really might be a lot faster.”

Hurricane Laura Damage

While many Lake Charles residents told reporters that they feel lucky to be alive, some news sources say the area “dodged a bullet” since the storm surge did not rise to the level forecast. Hurricane Laura reportedly left a 40-mile-wide swath of destruction in the area, with winds ripping out entire stands of trees and destroying buildings.

“We didn’t dodge anything,” an area representative told NOLA reporters. “We got hit in the chest and bowled over. The wind happened to be the one that did the damage this time.”

Indeed, damage left by Laura is reportedly extensive. Not only did the storm cause severe wind and water damage in Lake Charles and other southwestern Louisiana communities, a chemical fire started after the storm forcing residents to retreat indoors.

Some liken the national response to the storm to Hurricane Maria. Maria devastated Puerto Rico and the island is still recovering; however, the lack of a national response to the destruction has been criticized. Those affected by Laura say they fear the same result.

Reportedly, a number of state and federal elected representatives are hoping to steer emergency aid to the area. They urge Americans to keep Lake Charles and other areas of Southwestern Louisiana in mind, even as other events predominate the national news cycle.

Those affected by Laura’s damage say that they need food, clothes, and other assistance. Many are still without power during some of the hottest days of the year. Thousands face many months or even years of clean up.

Insurance Claims for Hurricane Damage

Louisiana residents and others affected by hurricane damage now also face the process of filing insurance claims to help them rebuild. There are a number of steps residents can take to initiate their claims, including:

• Calling their insurance company
• Documenting the damage with photos or videos
• Taking an inventory of lost or destroyed items
• Preventing further damage

Residents should also be sure to keep receipts and invoices related to hurricane damage, along with any contact they have with their insurance company. Additionally, a hurricane insurance attorney can help those affected by damage understand what their rights are under their insurance policies. An attorney can also help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure a fair settlement.