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I have heard from many friends in Galveston (about 30 miles from here) and their houses are pretty much gone, but the city was smart and almost totally evacuated ahead of the storm. As a result, there were very few fatalities (I have heard a report of 5 people dead). Anything that remains has been flooded beyond repair. The city is devastated. For those of you who are interested in historical illegal gambling, the famous Balinese Room which was located on a pier over the Gulf is now a pile of timber and mud on the beach. It is completely gone.
I have lived in Houston almost my entire life, and it takes a disaster like this to really appreciate this city. I was part of a group of people who volunteered yesterday (Sunday) to go downtown and help board up buildings with open windows. These stores, restaurants and houses were open to the elements for 24 hours and in not one single instance was there evidence that anyone had entered the buildings before us. Police were patroling the area as much as they could, but without electricity, the stores were in total darkness throughout Saturday night (14 hours AFTER the hurricane). I have heard on the news that there has been 11 people arrested in Houston and Galveston for looting. That amazes me. Two cities completely open for the taking and only 11 people have been caught for taking advantage of the situation. In my opinion, Houston is a city with heart and courage and I am proud.
We are not out the woods yet as there is still much to do. There are 1.7 million people without electricity. I hope to be in contact with everyone soon, but cell service and email is hit or miss.
Take care everyone,
Ed
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