highly urbanised area (impermeable surfaces and drainage)
little thought to sustainable urban design during the oil boom
social impacts
13 million people affected, 88 died
135000 homes damaged/destroyed
around 1 million cars completely wrecked
economic impacts
$125 billion in damages (2nd costliest in US history)
gas prices rose
environmental impacts
8 million cubic yards of garbage in Houston alone
human carcinogens (increase risk of cancer) released throughout Houston
preperation
NHC monitored the storm
chemical plants shut down on the 24th in preparation
relief
100,000 rescue missions led by authorities and first responders
FEMA assigned 28 urban search and rescue teams
Coast guard rescued 11022 people and 1384 pets
rehabilitation
recovery slowed down as funds were diverted due to Irma and Maria
rubbish clearance was the priority immediately after the storm
reconstruction
billions of dollars in federal aid and donations have helped Texas repair, rebuild and recover
poor and minority groups are not getting the help they need - 27% of hispanic texans whose homes were badly damaged reported they remain unsafe to live in vs 11% white texans
