Hard Rain

September 23, 2017

Beaumont, Texas

For four days and nights it rained like never before in memory as Hurricane Harvey stalled over the Gulf Coast of Texas. Rainfall was so intense that accumulation could literally be measured in feet or even in yards. Subsequent flash flooding was even more severe, with water rushing from swollen rivers and overflowing reservoirs and reaching the upper floors and even rooftops of thousands of homes.

Dozens lost their lives in the disaster, and tens of thousands of Texans are still seeking shelter a month later, their homes completely destroyed by Harvey. Some have found hotel rooms, but many more crash with friends or relatives as authorities consider, and then dismiss, ideas like converting a big barge into a dormitory. Mobile homes have been mentioned, but are likewise not yet available. All of the hotels are full, and many rentals are off the market because of flood damage.

The Gazette was on hand to witness some of the devastation and herewith presents some images from around Beaumont, Texas. What the photos don’t show is the indomitable spirit of the people of Texas, as well as other states, who threw themselves into the rescue and recovery of the affected region. In the face of this disaster, thousands of 4×4 trucks loaded with cases of bottled water, towing boats, or just full of people coming to pitch in converged on Jefferson County.

It will be a very long time before the traces of Harvey even begin to fade into memory. Recovery will be a years long process and some small towns, like Rose City and Vidor, have a particularly steep climb ahead of them. But going by what The Gazette observed, there’s plenty of reason for optimism starting with the kindness, generosity, strength, and brotherly love that this part of Texas is abundantly blessed with.