HURRICANE HARVEY: Houston's Road to Recovery

National Guardsmen carries Houston resident from flooded home.

On August 25th, Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the Texas coast. Little did America know it would become one of the worst storms in history. By August 31st, the storm had left Houston and the world began to learn of the damage that Houston had sustained. In some places the water was 10 feet deep - fully submerging 1 story homes. Citizens with boats took it upon themselves to rescue their neighbors from the rising flood waters. The city of New Orleans took in Harvey survivors, returning the favor Houston had done in taking in Hurricane Katrina survivors 12 years ago. While most survived the storm, that's only half the battle. The city of Houston must still rebuild.

The waters in Houston have receded but it leaves almost 100,000 homes damaged and 30 million in damages to public buildings. The governor of Texas has estimated that Hurricane Harvey has left 180 billion in damages. However, congress has only put down an intail 8 billion. That leaves a 172 billion dollar deficit.  While congress plans to send more money overtime, Houston residents question if it will be enough. With more than 200,000 people displaced in Texas, it's unclear where these people will stay and when they can return home. The government agency, FEMA, is scrambling to offer relief to hurricane victims. Until residents receive money from FEMA, many will not be able to rebuild. Houston struggles to rebuild with their limited funds, but its residents seem optimistic about the long road ahead. With an attitude like that, it's only a matter of time till Houston gets back on its feet.
 
Story by Franklin Bester-Sproul

Works Cited
Bizjournals.com
"Home." U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE. 
Reuters. "Hurricane Harvey Damages Could Cost up to $180 Billion." Fortune.com
Image: https://media.defense.gov/2017/Aug/27/2001798882/655/438/0/170827-A-ZW944-1010A.JPG

---