HOUSTON, Texas – As the devastation from Hurricane Beryl continues to unfold, authorities in Texas are bracing for a potentially rising death toll, which has already claimed at least 13 lives in the Houston area. The full extent of the disaster may not be clear for several weeks, officials said.
The situation is dire, with ongoing power outages exacerbating the aftermath of the storm. Approximately 270,000 customers remain without electricity, affecting their access to air conditioning, medical services, and refrigeration amidst the sweltering summer heat.
Local and state agencies are actively tracking storm-related fatalities. The Harris County Medical Examiner’s office is central to these efforts, examining various factors to confirm the causes of death directly and indirectly related to the hurricane.
Amid the crisis, personal tragedies emerge, shedding light on the human cost of natural disasters. The Shaw family, residents of northeast Houston, has been without electricity since Hurricane Beryl struck. They recently faced the heartbreaking loss of 89-year-old Mary Shaw, who passed away following days of suffering in the harsh conditions brought on by the power outage.
Mary’s daughter, Monica Shaw, recounted the family’s desperate attempts to alleviate her suffering as they awaited help. “Her body was so hot. I just started putting wet towels, ice, putting it on her, putting it around her,” Monica said. Efforts to relocate Mary to a medical facility were futile as local resources were overwhelmed and facilities reached full capacity.
Adding to their ordeal, Mary had been battling dementia and heart disease for years, making her particularly vulnerable to the stress and physical strain caused by the hurricane and subsequent loss of utilities.
The Shaw family’s loss highlights broader concerns about the health and safety of the elderly and infirm in disaster-stricken areas, particularly those who depend on power for their medical and personal needs.
Community frustration is mounting as the crisis continues. Many, like Kimberly Rubit, a niece of Mary Shaw, voice anger and disappointment at the perceived inadequacy of the response from utility companies and local authorities. “They forgot about us, but they don’t forget to get paid every month,” Rubit expressed.
This sentiment is echoed across the community as more Houstonians enter a second week without power, facing similar risks and challenges.
Local officials, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, have demanded accountability and swift action from power companies to restore electricity and aid affected residents. The governor has called for answers and quicker resolution to the outages plaguing the area since Beryl’s landfall.
As the region grapples with the ongoing impact of Hurricane Beryl, families like the Shaws are a stark reminder of the personal toll behind the statistics. Efforts continue to support and rebuild the community, but many fear what the coming days may hold as they face continued adversity without power.
While recovery operations are in full swing, the true scale of Hurricane Beryl’s impact will likely become more apparent in the weeks to come, as officials and families work through the aftermath of this devastating event. Meanwhile, residents hold onto hope and the strength of community bonds to navigate the challenges ahead.