We know, we’ve all heard; the news is literally “flooded” with news about Houston Flooding and Tropical Storm Harvey. There’s plenty of news coverage as the lethal storm makes its destructive path across the Gulf coast. But when you take a moment to think about the full aftermath of the storm, it seems mind-boggling. The “hurricane” is estimated to be more costly than Katrina was back in 2005.
Effects of the Houston Flooding & Harvey
According to Dr. Joel Myers, Accuweather’s founder and president, the storm damage will be worth about $190 billion. But that’s just to rebuild. Those numbers don’t account for the families with nothing left — and their emotional distress.
America has seen tropical storms before, and especially for people who experienced Katrina and Sandy, they know it’s a long and costly road ahead. Many people in Houston may not have actually had flood protection included in their home insurance. Even for those who did, it’s not going to just be a matter of quickly having a handyman come in and fix things up. First, there will be the problem of finding someone who can actually do the work. Then it’s going to have to be a complete overhaul. Everything will have to go which has been damaged by water — flooring, drywall, belongings and more.
Status of Houston Flooding Now
The flood in Houston is now receding, but that doesn’t mean all the damage is done. The next step for those helping the rescue effort in Texas are just getting started, really. Thousands of people are in shelters, and they will be for some time still.
It’s not that Houston hasn’t seen hurricanes before, but this is far more intense due to the sheer amount of rainfall. The amount of rain that has fallen is equal to about one entire year’s worth of rainfall.
What’s the Impact on the Rest of the US?
As the flood dries and rebuilding begins, the rest of the US may see a further crunch on construction as workers and contractors focus their efforts on Texas. There are also opportunities for volunteers from everywhere to help out in any way possible. Even if it’s just praying or giving from a distance — anything helps these people in times of need. Google and Paypal have set up links to donate, along with hundreds of other organizations. One which I have personal involvement in is Rapid Relief Team. Click here to see how and where you can donate safely, according to NY times.
Just as a side note, see how humidity and dampness can affect an HVAC system alone: https://syncquip.com/2017/03/02/industry-insight-why-is-humidity-important/