County now looks to recover

A 5-foot culvert failed on Chita Road, causing a collapse. Courtesy photo

By Tony Farkas
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Trinity County received the most rainfall in the preceding week, topping out at more than 24 inches, which left numerous damage homes and roads, and the weather event claimed the life of a resident.

Lt. Jimmy Waller, the Conroe police officer injured in the April 29 tornado that struck Trinity, died Friday because of injuries sustained when his home collapsed, trapping him.

The National Weather Service confirmed that a short-lived EF1 tornado with maximum winds of 100 mph touched down in the Rock Creek subdivision. While only on the ground for 1 to 2 minutes, officials said there was widespread tree and vehicle damage

According to information from the Conroe Police Department, after multiple surgeries, physicians determined that his injuries were too great to sustain life.  His family members were able to spend time with him prior to his passing.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at The Ark Church, 450 Humble Tank Road, in Conroe.

Because of flooding, Trinity County issued a mandatory evacuation order for Doug Bell Road, Sportsman Oaks and Trinity River Oaks residences.

County Judge Danny Martin also issued a disaster declaration on April 28, and the Commissioners Court held a special meeting on Monday to extend the disaster declaration for another 30 days. Additionally, the court approved the purchase of a large dump truck for Precinct 4, as Commissioner Steven Truss had only a small one and has many roads washed out because of the storms.

Additionally, the county has notified property owners that if a home or business was damaged by severe storms, officials would like help in identifying resource needs by filling out TDEM’s online damage survey called “individual State of Texas Assessment Tool” or iSTAT.

This data contributes to determining if our county receives federal funding to assist households with recovery. This is not a guarantee of funding and does not guarantee that either the county or individual residents will receive monies by doing this.

Reporting damage through the iSTAT tool is a voluntary activity and is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance company. It does not guarantee disaster relief assistance.

Groveton, Trinity, Centerville and Apple Springs school districts canceled school Monday and Thursday, and have rearranged bus routes because numerous roads are impassable. In Groveton, Friday will be used as a makeup day.

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.

Related Articles

‘Hospital Week’ recognized by county

County now looks to pick up the pieces

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.

•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.

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.

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.