Homeowners left with property damaged by Ida wonder when government help will arrive: “We don’t have much hope”

Jason and Jonathon Marotta’s home was submerged in water engulfed in flames and smoke as Hurricane Ida made its way through their home in Manville, New Jersey. Now, a charred stove is pretty much the only thing recognizable in the rubble.

“We were just talking about how the house is salvageable. We can try to get stuff on the second, maybe the first floor and maybe a few minutes later after we say that we see the roof explode,” Jon told CBS News’ Mola Lenghi.

The deadly storm that hit Louisiana as Category 4 hurricane is linked to more than 60 deaths and damages of up to $ 95 billion. Ida’s claims could cost around $ 18 billion, according to insurance experts.

Now New Jersey Democratic leaders are calling on Congress to pass a pending infrastructure bill. The bill would provide funds to help communities become more resilient to disasters and inclement weather.

“These storms are now more frequent, they are more intense. We desperately need this climate resilience infrastructure… We are the most densely populated state in the country with an unparalleled location, but very exposed to the impacts of climate change, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy said.

Amy Chester is the CEO of Rebuild by Design, a nonprofit focused on climate resilience. She said updated infrastructure is key to saving lives.

“Either we are spending a huge amount of money on the problem and building the infrastructure we need to withstand the future, or we are stepping back from the danger,” Chester said.

Residents most affected by frequent storms said they wanted to be optimistic about the change ahead, but were exhausted from dealing with the consequences. Anita Menke faces the prospect of rebuilding her home for the third time after this latest storm flooded her Manville home. She said she was frustrated with the government, which she said has promised infrastructure changes in the past.

“We don’t have much hope because every time we are promised that we are going to have help, something will happen to keep us from being inundated but nothing is done.” , Menke said.

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