Hurrican Ike!

After the destructive hurricane Ike thrashed Galveston with 110-mph winds and a power storm surge the city prepares for recovery and residents’ return in an article by the American Statesman, "Galveston plans for residents' return." Authorities laid out a plan on Friday to let approximately 45,000 evacuees return back to Galveston Island but it will probably be another week before we see that happening. Crews were only beginning to get basic services restored on the smashed island. One of the pumps about two blocks behind Galveston seawall came back on Friday. Cell phone services are mostly restored and power was gradually coming back on. "Residents will be allowed to return in phases, starting from the least damaged areas, primarily behind the seawall on the east side of the island, then gradually out to the heavily damaged west end," City Manager Steve LeBlanc said. While the island's only hospital was still days and weeks from recovering itself, about 90 people a day were being treated for minor injuries at the University of Texas Medical Branch. People with more fatal injuries were still being sent by ambulance or helicopter to hospitals on the mainland however, officials warned that the island is still vulnerable to diseases. An obstacle to reopening the island is its crippled water system. There is more water flowing out of the city's pips than is flowing in. No one knows when this island will be healthy enough to sustain a population but no doubt will it take years and millions to restore order in the city.