Beryl devastates Texas, White House declares a state of disaster

The path of tropical storm Beryl through the state of Texas, has left at least 4 people dead and at least two million people without electricity due to strong winds and severe flooding have been reported.

In response to this situation, U.S. President Joe Biden has approved a disaster declaration for the state of Texas.

This measure will release federal funds to help with the reconstruction of infrastructure, in addition to supporting the most fundamental needs of the people affected by the meteorological phenomenon.

The White House announced that “Benjamin Abbott of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been designated to coordinate federal recovery operations in the affected areas”.

It also reports that “damage assessment is continuing in other areas,” which is why more counties may be designated as emergency zones, as well as additional assistance once the assessment process is completed.

Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall in Texas as a Category 1 hurricane, heavily damaged infrastructure.

Should you hear us in any of the areas affected by this hurricane, it is important that you take precautions and watch for announcements from the authorities.

Also, the main electricity provider in Houston, CenterPoint Energy, has told its customers that they must wait several days for power to be fully restored, a risky scenario particularly for the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, children and those who do not have adequate refrigeration and who in some cases use oxygen concentrators and other devices.

Remember that hurricane season has recently begun and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated personnel in areas of Texas to support state response efforts as Tropical Storm Beryl continues to track along the Texas coast and inland.

FEMA reported that prior to the hurricane’s passage, it moved critical commodities and supplies, including 500,000 meals and 800,000 liters of water, which are ready to be distributed at the state’s request.

FEMA also said it has 60 generators in place to provide power to critical infrastructure, if needed.

In order to ensure communications capabilities on the ground, FEMA has two Mobile Emergency Response Support vehicles ready to provide support.

The agency is therefore advising people in the storm’s path to remain alert and listen to local officials as the storm continues to move inland.

In addition to this assistance, the state of Texas is reported to currently have more than 2,000 response personnel and 850 resources assigned and deployed in support of the state’s response to the anticipated impacts of the storm.

Local authorities are calling on the public to stay in their homes and avoid traveling through the most affected areas. They add that emergency teams are working hard to assist those affected and restore order to the city.

Citizens themselves have uploaded videos and photos to social networks showing the devastation that Beryl has left in its path.

The videos and photos show homes, cars and businesses flooded, revealing the damage caused by this natural phenomenon.

More than a thousand flights have been cancelled at the Houston Texas airport, so please follow the recommendations of local authorities to stay safe.