The return of scorching heat in the Houston area has exacerbated the challenges for residents still grappling with power outages following Hurricane Beryl's impact on Texas. Over 1.7 million homes and businesses remained without electricity on Tuesday night, a decrease from the peak of over 2.7 million on Monday. State officials faced scrutiny over the preparedness of the power utility covering much of the region.
Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced plans to utilize a sports and event complex to temporarily accommodate up to 250 hospital patients awaiting discharge due to the lack of power in their homes. The situation prompted individuals to seek relief wherever possible.
One resident, Walter Perez, highlighted the challenges faced by families, particularly children, as they sought refuge at cooling centers like celebrity pastor Joel Osteen's megachurch, which provided water and relief from the oppressive heat.
An executive from CenterPoint Energy defended the utility's readiness and response, emphasizing the swift mobilization of crews following the storm. The soaring temperatures, reaching back into the 90s with high humidity, posed health risks in the absence of air conditioning.
Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm that made landfall on Monday, has resulted in at least seven deaths in the U.S. and additional casualties in the Caribbean. Nim Kidd, head of the state's emergency management division, underscored the critical nature of power restoration as the top priority.
Acting Governor Dan Patrick prioritized nursing homes and assisted living facilities, with several hospitals operating on generator power. The situation in Houston echoed the challenges faced in May when severe storms left many without power and claimed lives.
Residents expressed frustration over the lack of adequate warning about the storm's trajectory, leading to difficulties in preparation. The sweltering conditions forced people to seek respite at community centers and restaurants, highlighting the urgent need for power restoration to prevent further hardships and potential fatalities.
