Head of FEMA tours Houston to assess storm damage, reassures residents without power that restoration efforts are ongoing. Houston Mayor John Whitmire confirms that crews are working to restore power to those affected, with the number of outages decreasing to less than 95,000 from almost 1 million at the peak. Last week’s storms resulted in at least eight deaths, significant destruction, and power outages in both lower income and wealthier neighborhoods.
Cleanup efforts are ongoing in downtown Houston, where over 3,000 windows were damaged in high-rise buildings due to the strong winds. The widespread damage caused by the storms has impacted various areas in Harris County, including Houston. The storms occurred as the region was still recovering from flooding in late April and early May. FEMA has approved disaster assistance for affected residents, with over 48,000 people already applying for aid and over $1 million issued in assistance.
Many residents continue to face challenges due to prolonged power outages, including dealing with electrical issues and damages. Lisa Reed, a teacher in east Harris County, was without power for four days before it was restored, expressing relief at being back in her own home. However, some of her neighbors and family members are still without power, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by the community. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones emphasizes the severe impact of the storms on lower-income residents, particularly those living in damaged apartment complexes.
CenterPoint Energy aims to restore power to over 90% of customers by Wednesday, with spokesperson Michelle Hundley stating that any remaining outages may be due to damaged equipment at individual homes. Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia addresses the concerns of underserved communities feeling left out during the recovery process, assuring them that they are not forgotten. The storms have been attributed to at least eight deaths, including a man who died from carbon monoxide poisoning while using a generator after losing power. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide updates on recovery efforts.
