FEMA has officials scattered throughout Southeast Louisiana to aid other agencies in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ida’s Category 4 landfall Sunday.

One FEMA official reassured Southwest Louisiana residents that they are continuing to help those impacted by Hurricane Laura’s landfall last year and the historic flooding in May that impacted homeowners throughout Lake Charles.

Tiana Suber, FEMA media relations specialist, said Tuesday that the direct housing mission is ongoing in Southwest Louisiana.

“We want to ease everyone’s anxiety,” she said. “We’re always ready to serve and help every survivor, no matter what disaster it is. I know all eyes are focused on Southeast Louisiana, but we are still here to support Southwest Louisiana.”

Suber encouraged residents impacted by Hurricane Ida to visit fema.gov to learn about applying for assistance, finding out which shelters are open, and getting information on other available resources. Registering for assistance is an important first step while officials are still in the rescue process, she said.

The FEMA mobile app can provide residents with updates about when it is safe to return to areas impacted by Hurricane Ida, Suber said.

To apply for assistance, visit fema.gov or call FEMA at 800-621-3362. For other information, visit disasterassistance.gov.