The Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau prepares to assist the traveling public and Hurricane Ike evacuees by opening the downtown Corpus Christi Visitor Center today at noon.

With continued power outages over the coming days along the Northeast coastline of Texas, Corpus Christi prepares to assist families seeking accommodations in the Corpus Christi area. The traveling public planning to evacuate to Corpus Christi are encouraged to call the Visitor Center toll free at 800-766-BEACH or visit www.corpuschristicvb.com for up-to-date information on hotel availability.

The Corpus Christi CVB Visitor Center will be open today from 12noon-5pm and Sunday, Sept. 14 from 9am-5pm. Through out the coming week, the Visitor Center plans to extend their hours to assist evacuees Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm.

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The head of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) today announced that federal disaster aid has been made available for the state of Texas and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, local and tribal recovery efforts in the area struck by Hurricane Ike beginning on September 7, 2008, and continuing.

FEMA Administrator David Paulison said the assistance was authorized under a major disaster declaration issued for the state by President Bush. The President's action makes Federal funding available to affected individuals in Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties.

The assistance, to be coordinated by FEMA, Assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Federal funding also is available to State and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis in Angelina, Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Cherokee, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Houston, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Madison, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Newton, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine, San Jacinto, Trinity, Tyler, Walker, Waller, and Washington Counties for debris removal, including direct Federal assistance.

Federal funding is also available on a cost-sharing basis for hazard mitigation measures for all counties and tribes within the state.

Paulison named Sandy Coachman as the Federal Coordinating Officer for Federal recovery operations in the affected area.

Coachman said that damage surveys have been scheduled and more counties and additional forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed in the affected areas.

FEMA coordinates the federal government’s role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.

Release Date: September 13, 2008
Release Number: HQ-08-211

Texas Hurricane Ike
Declared a Federal Disaster on September 13, 2008

How to Apply for Assistance

Apply Online at
http://www.fema.gov/news/event.fema?id=10570
or Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362)

Rescue Operations Underway in the Wake of Hurricane Ike

Gov. Rick Perry today announced that search and rescue (SAR) operations have begun in earnest after Hurricane Ike made landfall overnight on the Texas Coast. The Category 2 hurricane has caused extensive flooding and knocked out utilities in several Texas counties. The governor also urged Texans all along the storm's path to remain vigilant.

"For the past few days, our top priority was evacuating our citizens from the strike zone. Today, we are focused on search and rescue," Gov. Perry said. "In anticipation of this moment, we pre-positioned the largest search and rescue capability in Texas history in advance of this storm. Elements of this task force are re-entering Orange County, east Harris County and Galveston by air, boat and ground."

Hurricane Ike was preceded by a storm surge estimated at roughly 12 feet that caused massive flooding and stranded a number of citizens in the area. Working with the U.S. Coast Guard, a detachment of Texas Task Force One executed an air evacuation of four patients from UT Medical Branch in Galveston on Saturday morning. Additional members of the 1,000-strong search and rescue team, including Department of Public Safety troopers and pilots, Texas Military Forces personnel, Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens and members of Texas Task Force One, are conducting ongoing rescue operations in the area.

In addition to stranding area residents, Ike's high winds and flooding have knocked out power in several Texas counties including Galveston, Harris, Chambers, Orange and Jefferson. An estimated 2.8 million customers in the area are currently without power. Efforts to restore power are underway, but utility crews have been unable to enter some areas because of flood waters and debris.

According to the National Weather Service, the storm will continue to work its way across the eastern part of the state until it crosses the border into Arkansas late in the day. As the effects of the storm and rescue operations continue, Gov. Perry cautioned Texans that the challenge is far from over.

"As the storm recedes from the coast, we are focusing on our efforts on search and recovery. If Ike is headed your way, keep your head down. If you are still in the affected areas, we are headed your way with help," said Gov. Perry. "If you evacuated, please remain where you are until local officials determine that it is safe to return."

The Emergency Management Council and State Operations Center continue operations around the clock. The State Operations Center is closely monitoring Hurricane Ike, and holding twice daily conference calls with federal, state and local officials, private industry partners, volunteer organizations, and the National Weather Service.

Visit www.governor.state.tx.us/hurricane to contribute to hurricane relief efforts and for the latest information on Hurricane Ike.

Hurricane leaves Galveston in ruins

'I can't believe the devastation,' resident says.

GALVESTON — Pleasure boats tossed like toys onto a usually busy highway leading into town. Piles of debris standing 5 feet tall and higher on a scenic beachfront drive. Stately oak trees littering lawns of Victorian homes.

Hurricane Ike left this city in ruins.

The wreckage exploded into view Saturday along Interstate 45, with dozens of boats that had been hurled ashore making southbound lanes of the highway impassable. In the distance, behind the famous triangles of Moody Gardens, smoke billowed from burning apartment complexes that firefighters said they were unable to save.

"I can't believe the devastation right now," said Rob Miranda, a 32-year-old resident who did not leave town ahead of the storm. "It's sad to see this. There are a lot of businesses and homes destroyed."

As the remnants of the storm bid Galveston farewell, Miranda and dozens of other residents who remained on the island surveyed damage throughout the day.

With faces of disbelief and a vow to recover, they clutched digital cameras, snapping photographs of damaged or destroyed landmarks. Others talked about survival in a city without power and running water, conditions they could face for several more days.

By midafternoon, Brenda Sellers, 48, and her friend Tyrone Giles, 57, had come up with an impromptu plan.

Sellers raided the freezer of a niece who had evacuated and was taking a large cut of pork to Giles' home for an evening barbecue. The two had begun scooping water from flooded streets and using it to flush toilets.

"We gotta make it day to day and just take it one day at a time," Giles said.

Along Broadway Street, roofs were mostly intact, but nearby streets were flooded with several feet of water. Dozens of ambulances summoned from cities across the country lined Broadway, waiting for their next call.

Joel Davila, 33, was among dozens of pedestrians in the neighborhood talking with other locals about how he had ridden out the storm — and what comes next.

Davila was eager to share his story of survival: how he remained at a hurricane party at a local bar that received 4 feet of water inside. His jeans were still soaking wet by the afternoon.

"It's bad," he said. "It's finally sinking in what's going on."

Skip Smith, 60, who also was along Broadway, rode out the storm at a friend's house near 51st and Houston streets and returned to his nearby home, which was damaged, to retrieve medicine and a few changes of clothes.

He shuffled up the street using a cane.

"It's not a pretty sight right now," he said of the city. "It's going to take some time." Smith said he saw some looters breaking into nearby homes, but "I couldn't do nothing about it."

Farther into town, huge piles of debris littered Seawall Boulevard, making much of the street that hugs the beach impassable. Some spectators pilfered what was left, hauling away anything from flip-flops to a Tiki man that was shoved into the pile.

Along Church Avenue, the roof of an apartment complex had been stripped away, and the façades of others were reduced to piles of bricks.

"Our building is in terrible shape," said Terrence Pinkney, 19, who stood outside his demolished apartment. "It's gone. I can't look over there anymore."

Pinkney was gathering up a change of clothes — he found some that were still dry, despite substantial damage to the unit's interior — and planned to stay at a friend's house until he could find a new home.

Closer to evening Friday, signs that the city would recover already were visible: Large bulldozers had cleared a path along a huge swath of Seawall Boulevard, and portions of I-45 out of town were readily passable.

A few residents were outside their homes, piling up limbs and other debris.

And in the distance, the smoke from the burning buildings was gone.

tplohetski@statesman.com; 445-3605

Hurricane Ike will change Galveston, said city manager Steve LeBlanc. "I've never seen anything like this," he said.

On the far East End, homes fared well. The East End Historical District however, was severely flooded. Homes were inundated with between two and four feet of water.

North of Broadway and west of 25th Street were also heavily flooded. Most of downtown was covered with at least five feet of water that did not drain until early Sunday morning.

The south side of Broadway from 6th Street to 61st Street, had less damage than other areas.

Flooding was worse close to Broadway. Areas west of 61st Street were devastated. The Hollywood Heights area and neighborhoods surrounding Offatts and English bayous were covered in about eight feet of water.

In general, the West End was also devastated. Beach front erosion was severe, with at least 30 houses now standing on the beach. However, homes built more recently fared much better.

"My guess is, it will take about a year before we can resume normal operations," LeBlanc said.

Some residents might never return, he said.

By Leigh Jones
The Daily News

Officials who asked not to be named said parts of the causeway have buckled. State officials said earlier southbound lanes of the Galveston Causeway won’t be reopened until engineers can inspect it and see if it is structurally sound.

Large yachts, sailboats and other vessels crashed into the Causeway during the storm, possibly damaging the Causeway’s supporting beams and bulkheads. Specific details about how extensive the damage is and what was damaged wasn’t available.

Debris piled between 6 and 8 feet high littered the southbound lanes, covering the roadway with fragments of wood and trash.

There’s no official word on when the southbound lanes of the bridge will reopen. Vehicles are allowed on the northbound lanes of the Causeway, but once someone leaves the island, it’s not clear when they’ll be allowed back on.

Officials estimated the island suffered $18 billion in damage, Galveston Police Capt. Henry Porretto said.

ORDER TO VACATE BOLIVAR PENINSULA, GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS

Whereas, Hurricane Ike struck Galveston County, Texas on September 12, 2008 and on September 13, 2008 with catastrophic winds and storm surge, inflicting widespread and severe damage, injury, loss of life and property;

Whereas, Bolivar Peninsula in Galveston County, Texas, has suffered extreme and extensive damage from Hurricane Ike and is estimated to be 90% destroyed;

Whereas, the storm surge on Bolivar Peninsula has led to extreme and massive damage;

Whereas, on this day, Bolivar Peninsula remains under water, impassable, inaccessible, and isolated;

Whereas, there is no water, power, or other utility services on Bolivar Peninsula;

Whereas, there are no open stores, other amenities, or means of communication functioning on Bolivar Peninsula;

Whereas, there is no usable infrastructure on Bolivar Peninsula;

Whereas, Galveston County recognizes its obligation under law to preserve and protect public health, safety, and welfare;

Whereas, the County Judge of Galveston County, Texas, has declared a local state of disaster for Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, the Governor of the State of Texas has proclaimed a state of disaster for Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, the President of the United States of America has declared a state of disaster covering Galveston County, Texas;

Whereas, on September 11, 2008, the Health and Human Services Secretary of the United States of America, Mike Leavitt, declared a public health emergency in the State of Texas due to Hurricane Ike;

Whereas, rescue efforts are underway on Bolivar Peninsula to continue to locate and rescue survivors;

Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula will hamper and impede ongoing rescue efforts;

Whereas, the continuing presence of survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula will contribute to or exacerbate a public health emergency on Bolivar Peninsula; and

Whereas, Galveston County is facing extraordinary circumstances in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike.

Now Therefore, it is hereby ORDERED by the County Judge of Galveston County, Texas, that:

all survivors located on Bolivar Peninsula shall be and are hereby ORDERED to vacate Bolivar Peninsula; and this Order shall take effect immediately from and after its issuance.

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED, on this, the 14th day of September, 2008.

Signed
James D. Yarbrough,
County Judge of
Galveston County, Texas

Hurricane Ike's Ending Is Just the Beginning

Release Date: September 13, 2008
Release Number: 1791-012

Hurricane Ike may have passed, but the disaster is far from over. "Everyone in the path of Ike must remain vigilant throughout the recovery process," said Federal Coordinating Officer Sandy Coachman of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Evacuees should not return home until state or local officials say it's safe. Those who try to return prematurely may face downed power lines and trees, impassable roads, flooding, and hazardous materials. In some areas, power may be out for days or weeks. Phones won't work. Stores and gas stations most likely will be closed; food and fuel will be hard to find. Medical services will be limited or nonexistent.

"Premature travel into the most impacted areas could hinder the efforts of our public safety officials," said State Coordinating Officer Joan Haun of the Texas Governor's Division of Emergency Management.

Even after storm victims are allowed to return home, they may face a daunting array of issues. Recovering from a hurricane is a big job-taxing your body and your spirit. Adhering to the following suggestions will help you cope with the aftermath:

* Keep tuned to local media for information about caring for your household, finding medical help, and applying for possible financial assistance.
* Don't risk electrocution!
o Check all electronic equipment for water damage. If you are uncertain, throw them away.
o Watch for loose or dangling power lines. Assume any downed wire is a live wire.
o Stay away from power lines when clearing fallen trees with a chainsaw.
* Drive only when and where necessary. Closed roads are for your protection-they may be weakened and could collapse.
* Limit your telephone use to emergency calls only.
* Open doors and windows to ventilate your home.
* Use bottled water until local officials have determined the water supply is safe.
* Guard against food poisoning.
* If the power was disrupted, food in the refrigerator may have spoiled.
* Do not refreeze food once it begins to thaw.
* Only use generators outdoors in a well-ventilated area.
* If your property is damaged:
o Contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
o Take photographs or video of the damage.
o Keep a detailed record of cleanup costs.
* If your property had flood damage and you have flood insurance, you also must contact the company or agent who handles your flood insurance. (Most homeowner's insurance policies do not handle flood damage.) FEMA administers the National Flood Insurance Plan (NFIP) through the Federal Insurance Administration. The NFIP makes flood insurance available in communities that adopt and enforce flood control ordinances.
* Be a good neighbor. Do everything you can to make sure those around you are safe and have the help they need.
* Be good to yourself. Get help, especially if you or your loved ones feel anxiety, stress or fatigue.
* Remember, recovering from a disaster takes time, and know that help is available. If you are in a designated county, register online at www.fema.gov or call FEMA at 1-800-621-FEMA (3362).

Detailed information about this disaster and the recovery process also is available online at www.fema.gov or www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem

Much of Galveston soggy, bruised but still standing

Despite images of mass destruction along Galveston’s coast, many of the city’s historic structures and the new high rises overlooking the Gulf of Mexico survived the onslaught of Hurricane Ike, residents and real estate developers said Sunday.

While no one was downplaying devastation on the 30-mile-long island, treasured historic sites in Galveston’s Strand area, which survived the huge hurricane of 1900, are still standing, as are the new high rises that have sprouted along the coast in a recent $6 billion real estate boom.

Dwayne Jones, executive director of the Galveston Historical Foundation, said Sunday that most of the damage to the island’s oldest structures occurred north of Broadway, facing the bay. “There is significant wind and flood damage to many of the buildings in that area,” he said. Jones has evacuated to Austin and was speaking from the Preservation Texas offices, but said he has been in contact with people in Galveston.

He also said that Strand and Mechanic streets were still flooded Sunday. The 1861 Customs House, which houses the Galveston Historical Foundation offices, “had a whole lot of water in it.”

And Bishop’s Palace, which is one of the most famous houses on the island, survived. “It had water in the basement,” Jones said, “and some of the windows were blown out,” but it’s still standing.

Emerald by the Sea on Galveston’s Seawall Boulevard is “completely intact,” Michael Stuart, a real estate agent with texasgulfcoast.online, said Sunday in an email.

The high rise, which is the first of the new big resorts to be completely finished, will offer 70 rental units to people who need a place to stay when the island is reopens, he said. Emerald by the Sea, which will be accepting FEMA vouchers, is next to another big new high rise development, the Palisade Palms.

A Palisade Palms Web site, palms.clubexpress.com, said the high rise was in “good condition overall.”

The site said that water climbed up to below the “Level B Parking Deck,” and that there was “minimal wind damage to the exterior.” But all power was still out this afternoon, and there was a natural-gas main leak on nearby East Beach Drive.

Single-family homes in the hard-hit coastal area, however, did not fare as well. Aerial photos on Sunday showed substantial destruction in some beachside areas of Galveston.

Galveston Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas issued the following statement shortly after noon Sunday:

“Most structures and homes on the island have been damaged by the storm, but are still standing and still intact. Most of the island was covered by floodwaters, which are now receding.”

The mayor’s office warned that the city was not livable because it’s still without power, water and gas. “Until these basic services are restored the citizens are asked to remain where they are.”

Tom LeCroy, owner of LeCroy Bistro on the Strand, told the Houston Chronicle that his restaurant was in ruins after at least five feet of water swamped downtown. Thick silt was plastered on the floor, tables and bars, he said.

The so-called Silk Stocking district, on higher ground than the main historic district, appeared to have been the least hurt by the storm. Many of the homes withstood the 1900 hurricane, which was more devastating than Ike.

Cliff Redd, the executive director of Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts, said Sunday that he has a house there and has been desperate to hear whether it’s OK.

“This is heart-rending for us, especially since the town went through this 100 years ago. … Now it’s having to go through it again,” he said.

But Redd said it looked as though the seawall that the city built after the tragic 1900 storm helped save many of the buildings. “We can thank our great and great-great grandparents for having the foresight to build the seawall,” Redd said. “It becomes important for those of us who cherish those old homes to do whatever it takes to bring the area back to life.”

Redd said his house, which was built in 1887, is on Avenue L.

While the east end of Galveston appears to have been helped by the seawall, the west end does not have seawall protection and is believed to have been more severely hit by Ike. But details about that area have been sparse.

State officials said Sunday that they were beginning to inspect the island, starting with the east end, and that the inspection would reveal more details about the fate of the west end by Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning.

While people who stayed in Galveston told harrowing tales of survival during Hurricane Ike, some residents were disappointed that they evacuated — and frustrated by the lack of information.

Raul Reyes, a longtime Texas journalist who’s now working as a public information officer at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, said in an email Sunday:

“We are in Houston. No power. No water. No idea what is going on in Galveston. Cell phone service erratic. We got out of Galveston and now regret doing so. At least we would be home and miserable.”

Imagery posted on of the coast of Texas after Hurricane Ike made landfall.

This imagery was acquired by the NOAA Remote Sensing Division to support NOAA national security and emergency response requirements. In addition, it will be used for ongoing research efforts for testing and developing standards for airborne digital imagery.

http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/ike/