County now looks to pick up the pieces

FM 945 South at the San Jacinto River has suffered damage due to flooding. This roadway will be closed until repairs are made. Motorists should choose alternate routes. FM 1127 and FM 3278 in San Jacinto County are still flooded. Stay alert and never drive through flood waters. Courtesy photos

By Tony Farkas
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County residents are focused on rebuilding now that the storms that have plagued the area have subsided.

The National Weather Service reports more than 20 inches of rain fell since April 29, spurring numerous government and aid agencies into action to provide relief, evacuation and shelter.

The San Jacinto County Outreach Committee, a non-profit organization in San Jacinto County, has activated its Deep East Texas Disaster Readiness Recovery Team, and is partnering with other organizations in other counties to help bring in supplies to the shelters in the county.

Anyone is looking to send any type of donations or monetary donations to San Jacinto County.

County Emergency Manager Emmitt Eldridge has tasked this organization to receive monetary donations on behalf of flood disaster recovery efforts.

To donate, visit SJC Outreach Committee at https://sjcoutreach.org/donate/.

The American Red Cross opened multiple shelters in Harris, Liberty, Polk, San Jacinto, Montgomery, and Trinity counties in response to rising water, and the Texas Gulf Coast Disaster Team is working with local county officials to determine needs.

If you were impacted and need Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-Red-Cross.

Shelters that have been opened include:

•Harris County: Philippian’s New Faith Baptist Church, 7858 Angus St., Houston; Greenhouse International Church, 200 W. Greens Road, Houston.

•Liberty County: Calvary Baptist Church, 816 N. Blair Ave., Cleveland; Colony Ridge Community Center, 1680 County Road 3549, Cleveland.

•Montgomery County: Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Parish, 26777 Glen Loch Drive, The Woodlands; AV Bull Sallas Park Show Barn, 21675-C McCleskey Road, New Caney.

•Polk County: Dunbar Gym, 1103 Dunbar St., Livingston.

•San Jacinto County: San Jacinto County Disaster Shelter, 255 Live Oak, Coldspring.

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•Trinity County: Burning Hope Baptist Church, 301 E. Pegoda Road, Trinity.

Anyone who plans to stay in a Red Cross shelter should bring prescription medications, extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies, important documents and other comfort items. They should also include any special items for children, such as diapers, formula and toys, and durable medical equipment and/or assistive technology if applicable.

To find an open shelter, please go to redcross.org/shelter.

On April 28, County Judge Fritz Faulkner issued a disaster declaration, and on May 2, issued a mandatory evacuation for residents living below the Lake Livingston Dam and along the Trinity River.

Emergency personnel continued water rescues and evacuations have continued, and since more water from the Dallas area is expected, water release is expected to continue.

Areas of concern included homes near the Trinity River, Camilla Twin Harbors, Cedar Valley, FM 1127, Lake Water Wheel and 5 Acres. People needing assistance can call (936) 653-4367 or 911.

The Trinity River Authority on Thursday began releasing water at the dam, setting a new high mark at 124,097 cubic feet per second, which exceeded the release during Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which was 110,600 cfs.

TRA officials assured the public that the structure of the dam is not at risk.

The release will continue until the elevation of the reservoir returns to the normal level of 131 feet above sea level.

Shepherd ISD and Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD have set makeup days for school missed due to storms; May 10 for COCISD and May 17 for SISD. For more information, visit cocisd.org or shepherdisd.net.

In the wake of the recent heavy rains and flooding, the Houston Food Bank is in communication with community partners and the Offices of Emergency Management in Montgomery, Walker, San Jacinto, Liberty, Chambers and Trinity counties.

On May 1, the bank sent 2 pallets of water and 6 pallets of disaster boxes (non-perishable foods and other essentials) to San Jacinto County of Emergency Management, and more was expected to be delivered later.

Help from the community is needed; gifts of money, food and time will have a great impact. Secure donations can be made at www.HoustonFoodBank.org. Monetary donations will go the farthest and make the most impact as most-needed items can be supplied and donated as needed.

Visit Houstonfoodbank.org to find help or to donate, or use the Houston Food Bank app.

A list of most-needed items for donation include water, crackers, granola bars and other protein snacks, canned tuna, cereal, canned soup and ravioli, paper towels, toilet paper, paper plates/cups/utensils, and cleaners.