Harvey Unleashes Fury On Humble-Kingwood Residents

HUMBLE, TX — The onslaught from the remnants of Hurricane Harvey is continuing its assault with with heavy rain and flooding now inundated the east side of the Greater Houston area.

For much of the last five days, the west and central areas of the Houston area have been on the “dirty side” of the monster storm, but now the storm that simply won’t go away has Baytown, Humble and areas east of Houston in the crosshairs. (Want to get daily updates about Hurricane Harvey and other events going on in your area? Sign up for the free Humble-Kingwood Patch morning newsletter.)

On Tuesday, more than 200 Humble residents from the Northshire subdivision poured into the Humble Civic Center, seeking refuge from the assault from Harvey.

"We've been rescuing families out of Northshire through the night and this morning," Humble City Councilman Norman Funderburk, said.

The City of Humble opened the Civic Center after shelters in the city, St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church, New Covenant Church and the Cezeaux Building, were filled, he said.

"We had 20 boats to help us, including the Cajun Navy, and we are bringing in our residents," he said.

City officials bought food and supplies earlier this morning in anticipation of the emergency. Donations of blankets and supplies have been dropped off too.

Read: Hurricane Harvey · TUESDAY, 3 P.M. UPDATE · Rescues Continue, 10 Latest Must-Know Facts

Memorial Hermann Northeast Hospital asked the city to accept 20 discharged patients, who had no other place to go.

The hospital also provided wheelchairs, while Humble ISD provided school buses to help with the evacuation of flood victims.

Meanwhile, Humble ISD Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen said that Creekwood Middle School, located at 3603 W Lake Houston Pkwy., is the primary location for the ongoing Kingwood rescue operation being directed by the Houston Police Department.
"At this time, we have quite a large number of people at Creekwood. We have been working around the clock to house those needing help," Fagen said.

Humble ISD administrators, police and transportation staff, as well as numerous district employees, have been performing many services to the community as the effects of the hurricane have increased.

"Our police officers are working 12-hour shifts. They are away from their families, it is difficult for them to get food and the bus drivers have worked since last night, often driving through very challenging roads, to see that everyone is safe." Fagen said.

Kingwood High School was originally chosen to stage evacuations but the water rose quickly last night and district officials had to close it.

Fagen also said Willow Creek Elementary is open for residents in the back of Kingwood.

Atascocita High School is being used by the Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department for triage, she said.

Meanwhile, Fagen said it is too soon to know if school will open next Tuesday.
The first day of school was originally set for yesterday, Aug. 28. Then, as the storm's significance grew darker, district officials set Tuesday, Sept. 5 as the first day.

However, after the onslaught Monday and Tuesday, Fagen said she is unsure that will happen.

"The very best thing for kids is to get back to business, which may not be possible for many of our families, but as soon as we can, we will be open. But today, I am not sure when we will open."

Fagen also said every school and facility will need extensive assessment and this will not only take time, but the flood waters will have to recede first.

Information: Courtesy Cynthia Calvert, Humble Tribune

Image: Associated Press

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