MJP –
The death toll in Texas following Hurricane Beryl’s landfall, which left millions of residents without power, rose to a minimum of 36 on Thursday. Authorities verified additional fatalities of individuals who passed away in residences lacking air conditioning amidst scorching temperatures.
The office of the medical examiner in Fort Bend County verified nine additional fatalities, with four of them linked in part to hyperthermia, a condition where the body temperature increases significantly above the usual level.
According to authorities, a minimum of twelve other individuals in the Houston region perished as a result of the extreme heat and power outages.
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The majority of Houston inhabitants saw their power come back last week following a period of extensive blackouts amidst scorching summer heat. Authorities had mentioned that certain inhabitants and establishments would have to fix any impaired machinery under their care before regaining access to electricity.
Jason Wells, the CEO of CenterPoint and leader of the city’s electricity provider, expressed regret to customers on Thursday for the company’s actions following Beryl. He informed state regulators that the utility was already taking steps to enhance its readiness for future storms.
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The Governor, Greg Abbott, along with legislators, have requested explanations from the utility company regarding the prolonged power outage.
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“We are committed to improving.” Although we cannot eliminate the annoyances and challenges that many of our clients face, my leadership team and I will not offer justifications. During a meeting in Austin, Wells expressed the importance of enhancing and taking prompt action to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.
On July 8, the arrival of Hurricane Beryl, a Category 1 storm, caused power outages affecting almost 3 million residents in Texas at the peak of the disruptions. The majority of those who were left without electricity were located in the vicinity of Houston.
Beryl released a deluge of rain and strong winds that tore trees from their roots and caused destruction to residences and establishments across the Texas Coast and sections of Southeast Texas.
Under Abbott’s guidance, the utilities commission has initiated an inquiry into CenterPoint’s readiness and reaction to Beryl. It is anticipated that the final report will be submitted by December 1st.
A unique committee in the Texas Senate was established to examine the actions of utility companies during the aftermath of Beryl. Its inaugural meeting was scheduled to take place on Monday in Austin.
In the Public Utility Commission meeting on Thursday, Wells mentioned that CenterPoint’s plans for enhancement involve establishing stronger collaborations with local communities and officials, increasing the number of workers responsible for overseeing vegetation that poses a threat to power lines, and enhancing the durability of the lines against severe winds.
CenterPoint has announced the upcoming launch of a fresh outage monitoring system based on the cloud. This decision comes after the removal of their previous tracker due to technical issues following a severe storm on May 16 that left approximately 1 million customers without electricity. Following the impact of Beryl, certain inhabitants of Houston attempted to identify the areas with electricity by utilizing the app of the Texan fast food establishment Whataburger, checking for the operational status of its various branches.
Wells and other company officials were informed by utility commissioners that, although they acknowledged CenterPoint’s commitment to taking responsibility and rebuilding the community’s confidence, the enhancements being implemented were tasks that the company should have been carrying out already.
Commissioner Lori Cobos pointed out that actions have a greater impact than words when the day comes to a close. Therefore, we must navigate our way through the stormy season. And that is the necessary course of action. And it is imperative to carry out these actions. And we have our fingers crossed that you will.”
In the public comment section of the meeting, Savant Moore, a trustee of the Houston school district, was the sole voice. He passionately recited the names of the victims from Beryl, urged the utility commissioners to remember the hardships faced by Houston and its people, and voiced his disapproval of CenterPoint’s actions.
“What actions will this board and the governor take to safeguard the lives of Texans from such incompetence?” Moore expressed.
Juniper Calloway is a dedicated journalist with 3 years of experience in covering hard-hitting stories. Known for her commitment to delivering timely and accurate updates, she currently works with MikeandJon Podcast, where she focuses on reporting critical topics such as crime, local news, and national developments across the United States. Her ability to break down complex issues and keep audiences informed has established her as a trusted voice in journalism.
