Indiana residents frustrated amid 10-day power outage following storms — PBS NewsHour

RESOLVING THE LEDGER

Indiana residents frustrated amid 10-day power outage following storms — PBS NewsHour | AIPROPX

More than 70,000 people in northwestern Indiana are without power more than a week after a series of storms downed trees, knocked out power lines and flooded neighborhoods. Local officials are scrambling to restore electricity as frustrated residents accuse them of not doing enough. Stephanie Sy reports. Geoff Bennett: In the day's other headlines: More than 70,000 people in Northwest Indiana are without power more than a week after a series of storms down trees, knocked out power lines, and flooded neighborhoods. Across the state, seven people have died. Local officials are scrambling to restore electricity as frustrated residents accuse them of not doing enough. Stephanie Sy has this report. Stephanie Sy: As power crews struggle to get the lights back on in Northwest Indiana, residents are waiting in the dark. Adriana Harris, Gary, Indiana, Resident: We are now on day 10 no power in Gary, Indiana. Stephanie Sy: In Gary, some 20,000 customers are still without power and air conditioning. Residents like Adriana Harris are posting daily updates and their frustrations on social media. Adriana Harris: This is mentally challenging for so many people cannot work. People cannot do -- live their everyday lives how they used to live them. Stephanie Sy: Power has been out for the region since August 11, when 100-mile-an-hour winds and storms swept through Indiana near the Illinois border. Initially, some 300,000 customers lost electricity. Gary officials say they will provide residents with three hot meals a day, tarps, and charging stations. Eddie Melton, Mayor of Gary, Indiana: To the families and to the citizens of Gary, we are standing with you. We are praying with you. We are also providing as much resources and support as possible. Stephanie Sy: In the meantime, local power officials say the repairs are complicated because, in some cases, entire transmission pulse will need to be replaced. Melody Birmingham, President, NiSource Utilities: These are lines that ordinarily take us and systems that ordinarily take weeks or months that we are trying to accomplish in days and/or weeks. Stephanie Sy: She assured residents in the predominantly Black city that race and socioeconomic status are not playing a role in the pace of recovery, saying affluent areas are also affected. But, across the region, anger is a common feeling. Residents in Griffith, Indiana, shared how their lives are being impacted at a town hall earlier this week. Man: I'm diabetic and I have my medicine in a refrigerator. Stephanie Sy: As fast as officials say they're working, they don't expect power to be fully restored until next Tuesday. For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Stephanie Sy.