HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, a community near the Northshore neighborhood in east Harris County resembled a war zone.
Dee Stephens and her family, longtime residents of Dunvegan Street, are known for their helpfulness, especially after storms.
“Usually, we are the ones helping others, and this is the first time it has actually hit close to home. It’s overwhelming,” Stephens said.
Stephens’ neighbors were working to remove the massive tree that had fallen on her house.
“Once we’re done here, we’re going to help other neighbors who also have damage,” Stephens added, still eager to assist.
On Donnacorey, the next street over, Beryl left one family’s home completely destroyed. Their roof and insulation were found atop a neighbor’s garage just a few feet away.
“These people will probably have to rebuild their house from the ground up. For us, having a broken window and a little bit of roof damage, this house is gone,” Sergio Sanchez said.
Sanchez’s home was mostly spared, but the electricity was out in the entire neighborhood.
“We’re on day one without power. Hopefully, we get it back soon,” Sanchez said.
CenterPoint Energy reported a peak outage of 2.2 million customers at the height of Beryl’s landfall.
“That’s a lot of people, including some who are my age. I’m 85, and today is my birthday,” said Betty Cole with a laugh.
“What a birthday present,” Eyewitness News reporter Alex Bozarjian responded.
Despite the destruction, laughter and smiles were common in the aftermath of the storm. Many expressed gratitude and acceptance.
“Tomorrow is a new day, and we’ll figure it out as we go along. We’re here, and we’re alive. We can rebuild,” Stephens said.
