Residents evacuate Houston, Texas
at night (above) and day (below)
Residents evacuate Houston
September 22, 2005
by Kevin Caruso
Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for Galveston, Coprus Christi, surrounding Nueces County, low-lying parts of Houston, and New Orleans; and the vast majority of residents are evacuating.
Hurricane Katrina’s devastation occurred less that a month ago, so residents in vulnerable areas know the danger.
“It’s not worth staying here,” said Celia Martinez, as she left her home in Houston, Texas. “Life is more important than things.”
Galveston, Texas, may be the most vulnerable city. It is a small island-city that lies in the path of Hurricane Rita.
Galveston residents have been evacuating steadily; Mayor Lyda Ann Tomas said the city is “fairly well emptied, but we’re sending our police forces ... with their loudspeakers reminding people that today is the day to leave.”
Hundreds of buses were used on Wednesday to evacuate the poor as well as hospital and nursing home patients.
In Houston, Mayor Bill White said residents in mobile homes and in low-lying areas should evacuate immediately.
Houston is the largest city in Texas, and it is where the highest concentration of Hurricane Katrina evacuees are staying. Cars are lined up bumper-to-bumper as residents evacuate the city.
Hurricane Rita may turn out to be the most powerful hurricane ever to hit Texas.
We continue to pray for all of those who may be affected.
