The hurricane that turned into a tropical storm, referred to as Beryl, has been headlining the news all week long. It is predicted that Beryl will regain hurricane-level strength sooner rather than later.
This hurricane has shaken countless people and communities as its wrath grows bigger. It is said to have long-lasting effects that may take time to recover.
Bad and Beryl
This past week millions have been without power as threats to citizens caused by Beryl taking center stage. So far there have been 8 deaths as a result of this natural disaster.
Temperatures reached dangerous levels as the hurricane winds left an unwanted trail of destruction in its wake moving Southeast. Millions of Texan residents were left without power in their homes and powerless. Streets have become rivers and people are in danger of being trapped in their cars.
A Trail of Destruction
Collectively and still growing in numbers more than 2 million businesses and private homes have been affected. The reported deaths have been linked to residents in both Louisiana and Texas.
As Beryl moves inland it is predicted to lose its strength. However, it will still be present in the sense that there will be a drop heavy enough to produce several inches of rain across several states and tornados. During this past Tuesday according to the National Weather Service millions of people, 21 million to be exact, were under flood watch spanning across Arkansas to Maine. Beryl surely means business.
Heat Drives Residents Out of Their Homes
Out of their homes and into their cars has become the theme as a result of rapid hurricane escalation in the last week. A Texan resident interviewed by USA Today shared that both she and her two children resulted in sleeping in their family car just to stay cool.
Because many homes don’t have air conditioning due to a lack of power, hotels have become overcrowded. Reportedly northwest of Houston a city with an estimated 12,000 residents has completely booked out hotels. City officials have warned people who sleep with their car engine running how dangerous it can be due to exposure to toxins and lack of physical safety.
The Misplaced Aftermath
A Hurricane Beryl Recovery Fund has been launched to aid the numerous citizens affected by this devastating tragedy. The fund’s purpose is to generate financial support for citizens affected by the hurricane’s wrath.
Since the creation of the fund, countless people and organizations have donated to the initiative. Among the donors are the Sarofim Foundation, H-E-B, and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation with a combined three $1 million dollar donations in hopes to catapult the efforts.
Who is Eligible to Receive Assistance?
The funds are for families of low-to-moderate-income households who are in need of immediate financial assistance, and home repairs among other needs. Of the residences eligible are those located in Houston, Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, and Waller County. If someone does not have home insurance they don’t need to worry because they are also eligible to benefit from such funds.
Philanthropic communities have come together now more than ever to ease the burdens of those citizens affected. Although it is a long way to recovery the people have a backbone to rely on even if only temporarily.
What’s the Damage?
An estimated more than 6,800 people in Harris County alone have been recorded as sustaining damage due to Beryl. Another 140 homes were destroyed as a direct result and it continues to grow. Trees have fallen on homes and debris continues to sprinkle the streets. Perhaps the worst part is that people are not in a position to even afford services that help relieve such burdens.
Hopefully, there will be an improvement as matters settle down and Beryl moves on. We just hope that people don’t get swept away in the struggles to come.
