Louisiana residents in Houston begin cleanup after Beryl disaster

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) – Louisiana natives now living in Houston are beginning the cleanup process after Beryl brought high winds and torrential rain when it made landfall Monday, July 8.

Tristan Babin, a Norce native who lives on the border of Katy and Houston, described the anxiety of being in the storm’s path.

“No matter what the storm is, once you’re in the cone, you really don’t know how bad it’s going to be,” Babin said.

His wife managed storm preparations while he sent emergency alerts to his employer. With more than 2.7 million Texans without power by 5 p.m., Babin is thankful his electricity remained intact.

“This storm wasn’t terrible for my house, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t terrible for someone else’s,” Babin said. “It only takes one storm to completely change your perspective on the season.”

Claire Cusimano, a New Orleans native, faced flooded, debris-filled streets in her Houston neighborhood near I-10 and the Beltway. Power was out and cell service was spotty.

“This is obviously not Harvey or Katrina,” Cusimano said. “This one is obviously a little easier to handle than other hurricanes.”

Cusimano’s children entertained themselves during the storm by playing cards and other games. His son was content to brush his teeth by the light of his lightsaber.

BERYL TRACKING

Robin Baudoin is relieved to have largely avoided Beryl’s bullet in southwest Louisiana. Baudoin’s home was destroyed by Hurricane Laura three years ago.

“When it rains, it’s very light, but with lots of gusts,” Baudoin said.

The same cannot be said for those in northwest Louisiana, where Beryl spawned numerous potential tornadoes, toppled mobile homes, snapped trees and damaged buildings.

In response to the aftermath of the incident, the Louisiana chapter of the American Red Cross is preparing to send more resources to Texas.

“In Louisiana, we know what hurricanes are and we know how to provide support,” said Kenneth St. Charles, CEO of the Louisiana chapter.

The state is sending 20 volunteers to join more than 400 Red Cross volunteers nationwide on the ground in Texas.

“When we arrive, we’re just going to bring bodies,” St. Charles said. “Then we’ll take care of the equipment and supplies and distribute everything.”

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