300 in Limbo as Houston's Last Ike Shelter Closes

Mayors ask Congress to move quickly on relief

(NEWSER) - Texas officials told Congress today they might need up to $40 billion in aid to rebuild the state's hurricane-hit areas, the Houston Chronicle reports. The state's lieutenant governor sought at least $11.5 billion of aid and as many trailer homes as available to help the 770 communities damaged by Hurricane Ike. Houston's mayor requested an immediate $2.5 billion injection to help his metropolis. More»

(NEWSER) - President Bush visited Houston and took an air tour over Galveston today, urging Americans to continue contributions to the Red Cross and other charities and promising timely aid from state and federal governments, the Washington Post reports. Meanwhile, Houston Mayor Bill White grumbled about a slow FEMA response to his city, which still has 1.6 million residents without power and a curfew in place until Saturday. More»

Residents scramble for survival basics in Ike's aftermath

(NEWSER) - Thousands of weary Houston residents joined lines that stretched for blocks yesterday to collect the basics they need to survive in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike. Emergency supplies are being strictly rationed and each family is allowed only two bags of ice, a case of bottled water and a 12-pack of ready-to-eat meals. "The rules are in place to make sure everybody gets something," said a local pastor, though some distribution centers had inadequate supplies. More»

'Eye of the aftermath' proves trying for Texas residents in need

(NEWSER) - With a short supply of commodities like ice and gasoline forcing Texans trying to recover from Hurricane Ike to wait in hours-long lines, President Bush warned today the storm may put "upward pressure" on US fuel prices. Refineries and oil rigs sustained extensive, though not severe, damage, the Houston Chronicle reports. Meanwhile, some businesses reopened and FEMA officials say they are “working feverishly” to open 17 food distribution centers today. More»

FEMA struggles to keep Houston, Galveston supplied

(NEWSER) - Federal officials were working yesterday to move emergency supplies and fresh water to distribution centers in beleaguered Houston, where residents were struggling to cope with continued flooding, blackouts and looting. Millions are still without power and a curfew is in force, reports the Houston Chronicle. Officials in Galveston, meanwhile, appealed for evacuated resident to stay out of the devastated city. More»