Harvey hits Texas

Hurricane Harvey smashed into the Texas Gulf Coast. The predictions were dire. Almost every hurricane computer model predicted the storm would make landfall and then stall out, drenching the coast and Houston in particular.

The computers were right, although ‘drenching” is hardly the word for what is happening in Texas.

Early on, it was estimated that 11 trillion gallons would fall on Houston. Some places have suffered from approximately 50 inches of rain in just a few days.

And, the rains continue. As of this writing, the storm, after leaving land, has regained its strength and is back on shore. It is flooding parts of Louisiana as well as delivering the coup de grace on Texas.

Harvey is now classified as a tropical storm, but that tells little of the devastation it has caused. It is being called the worst natural disaster ever in the contiguous 48 states.

Although initially, the winds caused great damage, the real devastation is from flooding. That flooding continues in an area roughly the size of New Jersey.

The words “epic” and “historic” has been used to describe the ongoing crisis. More often used is the word “catastrophic.”

Most of the Houston area is inundated with water. A call for people with flat bottom boats has gone out to help with the official rescue efforts. Helicopters from nearly every agency are plucking people off rooftops. Often boats ferry survivors to points where the helicopters can pick them up to get them to safety.

So far, the estimate of deaths is very low, considering that up to six million people live in the Houston area.

Shelters are overwhelmed. Cots, blankets, and food are in short supply simply because getting these supplies into the disaster area is difficult.

The unprecedented destruction will take years to repair.

Yet, in the meantime, two things stand out: The absolute expanse of the devastation and the widespread generosity of people trying to help others.

Thousands of good samaritans are taking others out of harms way. Whole fleets of private boats and high-clearance vehicles roam passable neighborhoods in search for people in need of rescue.

Coming on the heels of violence and hatred around the country, the response to those in jeopardy can give the country hope that we are what we say we are —a country of compassionate people.

Gordon Forgey

Publisher