Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Butt-Dials 911 While Discussing Murder Plans Floridian is charged after slaying »

Texas Makes Little Headway in Recovery From Ike

Galveston, Houston homes still lack power, gas, water

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 17, 2008 1:23 PM CDT

(Newser) – Houston- and Galveston-area communities continued to struggle post-Hurricane Ike today, the AP reports. Divers cleared debris from navigation routes into Houston and looked for bodies along the coastline; most of the city remains without power for a fifth day. On Galveston Island and the nearby Bolivar Peninsula—which still lack gas, power, and running water—officials struggled to keep residents from returning to their homes.

Yesterday, thousands of residents formed a huge traffic jam trying to get back into Galveston when officials allowed a “look and leave” opportunity for residents to check on their homes and businesses. On the Bolivar Peninsula, 250 locals refuse to leave, although officials say they must for cleanup efforts to safely begin.

Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, both badly affected by Hurricane Ike.
Galveston Island and the Bolivar Peninsula, both badly affected by Hurricane Ike.   (Google Maps)
Michael Segura surveys damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, along the sea wall in Galveston, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.
Michael Segura surveys damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, along the sea wall in Galveston, Texas, Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2008.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Traffic along the southbound lane of I-45 to Galveston, Texas, slows to a halt as residents wait their turn to enter the city during the look and leave policy yesterday.
Traffic along the southbound lane of I-45 to Galveston, Texas, slows to a halt as residents wait their turn to enter the city during the "look and leave" policy yesterday.   (AP Photo)
Brenda Roby, left, and Cyndi King pause for a moment as they search for Roby's belongings in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, in Galveston, Texas, yesterday.
Brenda Roby, left, and Cyndi King pause for a moment as they search for Roby's belongings in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, in Galveston, Texas, yesterday.   (AP Photo)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It is pretty rough conditions over there. We have access issues for delivery of emergency services. Our goal is to vacate the Bolivar Peninsula. - County Judge Jim Yarbrough, the top elected official in Galveston County.

We have a lot of people in here. It's going to get nasty with no toilets. How do we live without a toilet for a month?" - Rhonda Clayburn, resident of a trailer park in the Houston suburb of Klein

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.
 

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Timelines   |   POPSUGAR Tech   |   Business Insider   |   HuffPost Entertainment   |   NewsOne