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Hurricane Beryl Recovery Hampered by Power Outages in Texas
Two days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, approximately 1.7 million customers in Texas remain without power, severely affecting the restoration of critical oil infrastructure and delaying port operations.
Landfall and Initial Impact: Hurricane Beryl struck as a Category 1 hurricane near Matagorda, about 100 miles from Houston, bringing heavy winds that downed power lines and caused widespread property damage. Reinsurance broker Gallagher Re estimates U.S. economic losses from Beryl at over $1 billion, while AccuWeather’s preliminary estimate ranges from $28 billion to $32 billion in total damages and economic loss.
Power Restoration Efforts: Of the affected customers, 1.4 million are served by CenterPoint Energy, Texas’ largest provider. CenterPoint reported restoring power to over 615,000 customers within 24 hours and aims to restore power to 1 million customers by the end of the day. Questions have arisen regarding CenterPoint’s preparedness, with some customers and officials, including Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, calling for an analysis post-restoration.
Energy and Infrastructure Impact: Freeport LNG, the third-largest liquefied natural gas facility in the U.S., reduced production on Sunday and has yet to provide an update. Ports along the Texas Gulf Coast, initially closed in anticipation of the hurricane, are gradually reopening with some restrictions. The Port of Houston is set to reopen on Wednesday, allowing restricted inbound vessels.
Port Operations:
- Port of Galveston: Some cruise operations have resumed, with cargo operations expected to restart on Wednesday, though power outages on Tuesday limited operations.
- Port of Freeport: Open and operating, though on backup power with some traffic restrictions.
As recovery efforts continue, the full extent of Beryl’s impact is still being assessed, with significant challenges ahead for restoring full operational capacity across affected regions.
News
Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
News
Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
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