Dozens of residents inside the Laveau Asylum shelter reported panic after fumes from flooded tunnels entered the building. Witnesses described metallic tastes in water and one woman swallowing pills before staff intervened. An armed group left the shelter to search for fuel during the storm.

The Asylum's tunnel system has not received inspection for years. Several people present are known Tenebrae affiliates. The group has conducted recent territorial activity in the area.

A city emergency spokesperson said residents chose the facility at their own risk. The Sheriff's Office declined to comment on oversight failures.