LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEER FOR TOMORROW: I'm doing this because I am out of work right now, but I am neglecting looking for it. We need this diary tomorrow too and I will do it if necessary, but I would really appreciate a new volunteer. You just have to monitor the ABC 10 webcast and post info from that and from comments posted. Please, please, please someone volunteer to do this.
THIS DIARY IS FOR INFORMATION REGARDING THE MOSTLY-IGNORED AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE IKE If you have news to add, please make it a NEW COMMENT and not a reply to someone else, or I might miss it.
That's right, this is now the brownout diary because last night, MSNBC had a top story article on their website about FEMA abuses. This is partially due to our keeping this information out there. Good work, everyone!
The other news networks are still not giving this any time. News and updates below when they come.
DO NOT LET THEM GET AWAY WITH THIS! Spread information, it could save lives!
I am monitoring live news streaming on Houston's ABC 13 at ABC13.com for as long as I can take it.
You can also monitor KHOU here- http://www.khou.com/...
Old news is in the old diary here- http://www.dailykos.com/...
Some important old news and info to repost-
Donate to the Hurricane Ike Recovery Fund 4550 Post Oak Place Suite 100 77027
GALVESTON COUNTY MISSING PERSONS HOTLINE (866) 898-5723
FEMA CLAIM HOTLINE (800) 621-3362
REPORT PRICE GOUGING IN THE AREA (713) 755-2648
Other FEMA info here: http://www.dailykos.com/...
Although there is a national media blackout about Ike's aftermath, you can monitor local news here: http://abclocal.go.com/...
You can see photos of damage here: http://jakeabby.com/...
If you are looking for friends and loved ones, please go to the person locator at http://www.abc13.com
Urgent call for relief volunteers- http://blogs.chron.com/...
IF YOU ARE STUCK IN THE REGION AND HAVE A RELATIVE ELSEWHERE TO STAY WITH Continental is selling inexpensive one-way tickets out of Houston or Beaumont if you buy them before tomorrow. Under 500 miles, $69. Over, $119. Domestic only.
• Just because it was so ridiculously stupid, I'm going to quote Chertoff again: *"FEMA doesn't do trailers"*
* NEW INFO *
• Federal and state governments are working on long-term housing plans for those who are left homeless after 30 days post-Ike. FEMA is only "assisting."
• The disaster declaration for Harris County (Houston) is probably going to be extended.
• Kroger has opened in Galveston!
• 1.29 million Centerpoint customers are still without power and 261,635 Entergy customers. Many areas of Houston
• Port of Galveston is still closed and, despite rumors yesterday, Galveston Island is still a no-fly zone.
• Port of Houston is open for 'limited operation'
• The Amphibious Assault Ship USS Nassau is anchored off of Galveston Island with supplies, medical support, 1000 Navy and Marine sevicepeople and two helicopters.
• Curfew is still in effect for most of the region.
• Before you ask, no, I have not heard anything about the inmates and guards in the Galveston jail.
• Boil water order still in effect for Clear Lake.
• FEMA claimants are only being given access to what they need to get their registration done. FEMA is not available for consultation with individuals.
• Houston Hospitals getting 'more patients in 2 days' than anyone has ever seen.
More to come when available!
• Manvel, TX has had NO ASSISTANCE from anyone. Not FEMA, not the state, not the county. The Mayor is desperate.
• Many cities in states north of Texas including Tennessee and Ohio are still having power problems too due to Ike.
Galveston News Conference
Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas speaking:
• The city of Galveston is not in ruins, it is recovering in accordance with a well-established plans.
• Power has partially been restored, the priority was UTMB Hospital.
• Water is running in some parts of the island but is not potable and there is still a sewage problem.
• They are trying to bring people home in a matter of a week rather than months. Mayor Thomas: "My commitment to the citizens of Galveston today is to get you back home as soon as possible."
Steve LeBlanc (Galveston city manager) speaking:
• Cellular service is operational. AT&T put up 5 mobile towers and 2 permanent towers are fixed.
• 7-10 days for power to be restored to the central core of the city. No time frame for the western end.
• Water pump stations are running. Supply is limited. "Believe it or not, we are consuming and leaking more water than they can send us." No adequate water for showers, toilets or even fire protection. No adequate water to supply the hospital.
• One sewage plant is up and running, the main plant is being brought on line later today (hopefully) thanks to a generator.
• Look and leave policy still suspended for the moment. "We're just not ready." Insurance agents will now be allowed on.
• I-45 roadblock is now clear and the situation is going to be handled differently. High Islands residents can return to their community with no checkpoints, but there is still no water or power there.
County Judge Jim Yarborough speaking:
• All four corners of the county are in recovery mode.
• The mayor has not left the island since Ike hit.
• Water and sewer is operational in the eastern part of Galveston County.
• Access to Bolivar Peninsula will be allowed over the next week.
• As of this morning- there are 7 bodies at the medical examiners office.
• Debris piles on Bolivar are being searched for bodies, none recovered so far.
• Curfew is begun to be lifted in some cities.
• Some businesses on the mainland are back to normal.
UPDATE ON THE GALVESTON JAIL (Thanks, CatNap!)
Details here- http://www.dallasnews.com/...
Reports from the Galveston County Jail, where 1,000 inmates were not allowed to evacuate during Hurricane Ike, are raising concerns of unsanitary conditions and inhumane treatment at the facility.
The situation has caused enough questions and concerns on the part of the family members and the media – who haven't been allowed inside the facility – that the executive director of the Texas Commission on Jail Standards plans to travel to Galveston on Friday to check the conditions.
Next press conference at 4pm Galveston time with FEMA and the Navy.
• There is NO SHELTER available on Galveston Island.
• There have still only been 11 arrests for looting and no reports of looting last night. Police have an active presence on the Island.
• LaBlanc re-iterates: There will be NO look-and-leave. Period.
• Judge: Hospital and Clinic in Texas City are open, mostly back to full operation.
• If you are in Galveston and need major medical care, you are out of luck. The trauma center is not open, the ER is only an emergency care center. They are evacuating the most dire cases. There is a private clinic on 61st street that is going to open for urgent care soon.
• Someone is spreading false information that FEMA is handing out vouchers. This is not true.
• Houston public libraries are now open. They are providing internet services and much-needed air conditioning. Plus, you can rent you up some movies there. (Or read a book!)
• MSNBC is finally saying what we've been saying for days- Many bodies may have simply been washed out to sea- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/...
UPDATE
Governor Rick Perry's press conference on now.
• Perry: Stay where you are until officials say otherwise. Do not go back to your homes if you evacuated until being told that you can.
• Judge Keane: Brazoria county "could use more" than they are getting, but they are getting their "fair share."
• Gov. Perry: "Almost impossible" to get aid to people fast enough. (Isn't that what FEMA is supposed to be for?)
• Gov. Perry: "I've been very pleased with the federal response." Truly a man of the people.
• Steve McCraw (head of Texas homeland security): 3500 rescued so far. On getting supplies out- "Obviously, we need to do a better job."
• Steve McCraw: The disaster covers an area "bigger than New Jersey"
• Reporter at press conference: They are closing PODs but not opening new ones where they're needed.
• McCraw: Special needs people have been evacuated.
...and that's the end of the presser.
3 PM Update
• Death toll for Texas up from 18 to 22.
• Galveston Mayor: Supply businesses (Wal-Mart, pharmacies, convenience stores) will be up and running in 5-6 days.
• Not mentioned before, but there is also no gas on Galveston.
• Galveston Mayor: "We have cows and containers in our harbor."
• From an e-mail from "Julie," an article about the environmental impact of Ike on superfund sites: http://theartfulflower.blogspot.com/...
• Official national Ike death toll at 56.
• Urgent needs health issues on Galveston that UTMB can't handle are being flown to the USS Nassau by helicopter.
4 pm press conference
Jaime Ferrero, FEMA representative:
• FEMA has provided 2.5 million liters of water, 2 million meals, 100,000 tarps, 100,000 cots.
• Non-governmental organizations have operated 99 shelters.
• FEMA has established two mobile registration centers on Galveston Island. Each facility has 20-25 computers, telephones and FEMA staff. 151 households have registered so far. 2 additional sites to be added tomorrow.
• 2 PODs in Galveston, 2 to be added soon.
Commodore Bob Lineberry, Commander of Naval Assistance:
• USS Nassau anchored 7 miles off the beach
• US Navy bringing in heavy-lifting vehicles to Bolivar via LCUs.
• Sailors and Marines tomorrow will be setting up another POD.
Gerald Sullivan, Port of Galveston board chair.
• First ship will unload at the port next Wednesday.
• On October 1st, cruise ships will be able to dock in Galveston. It is the main port for cruise ships in the Gulf of Mexico. Cruise ships have been re-routed for the moment.
• The shipyard will be back in service Monday morning.
• Naviagtion buoys are being replaced.
• The bridge between Galveston and Pelican Island will be finished Monday. It is the only thing stopping the shipyard from opening.
Roger Busch from the Small Business Administration:
• Low interest loans up to $2 million with up to 30-years repayment, as low as 2.6% for homeowners and 4% for businesses. Call 800-659-2955 for more info.
Steve LeBlanc, City Manager:
• Galveston mail being delivered to Mall of the Mainland
Press conference ends.
• FEMA says it is not their responsibility to deliver ice: http://abcnews.go.com/... (Thanks, CanyonWren!)
• More than 22,000 are in shelters in Texas.
• Liberty County gets its first POD today.
• Kossack craiger has confirmed that the FAA ban on flights over the damage area have been lifted. Maybe Ron Paul can send his blimp to rescue people now.
• Kossack Snud links us to an article about FEMA trucks full of supplies sitting in a parking lot: http://www.woai.com/...
• Kossack Tanya reports that the problems with FEMA were discussed on Wolf Blitzer's show on CNN. They're starting to take notice! Finally!