HOUSTON – The race to get the power back in Houston is getting a much-needed assist from electrical linemen and support workers from outside of Houston.
Approximately 2,000 workers from outside the city are in town working to get power to thousands who have been without it since Thursday evening, according to Mayor John Whitmire.
Multiple workers from South Texas told KPRC 2 they have seen workers from Georgia, Florida, Louisiana and Oklahoma.
One strike team from Victoria that KPRC 2 Investigates encountered in Wood Bayou said the damage was as bad as they have seen in the aftermath of hurricanes.
Jonathon Castrejon did not hesitate when asked how he rates the damage on a 1 to 10 scale, “Oh this is about an 8 to 10.”
Residents we spoke with were happy to see workers amid splintered trees and properties impacted by the strong winds that moved quickly through the area.
Houston City Council Member Joaquin Martinez, who represents the community, said the northeast portion of District I is probably, “the hardest hit.”
Martinez, whose office collaborated with a team of volunteers in helping clear debris Monday, says he feels the death toll of 8 associated with Thursday’s rapid storm could have been much higher, “It’s definitely a huge surprise, it’s something we are definitely thankful for,” said Martinez.