The Fury of Hurricane Ike Hits Texas

Texas Gov. Rick Perry,commenting on the failure of some to respond to the continued pleas from State officials to evacuate said, "Now it's time for prayers."

GALVESTON, Texas (Catholic Online) - The eye of the storm named Ike gazed on Galveston Texas this morning at 3:10 AM ET. The rest of Ike's fury was unleashed on Texas as a category two hurricane packing winds in excess of 110 mph. Areas of the Coast of Southeast Texas were battered and residents who had decided to remain and try to weather the storm were making panicky, desperate and futile calls for help.

Thousands of homes flooded, roads were washed out, and fires were unable to be fought in many areas because of the inability of fire trucks and crews to respond. It was for many Texans an experience of sheer horror and desperation.

A spokesperson for Governor Rick Perry, Andrew Barlow told the Press: "The unfortunate truth is we're going to have to go in ... and put our people in the tough situation to save people who did not choose wisely. We'll probably do the largest search-and-rescue operation that's ever been conducted in the state of Texas."

Early reports indicated that at least 3 million people are without electricity. The fury of ike sent a wall of water 20 feet high into coastal areas. This storm is as large as Texas itself in mass and is being called the worst storm to hit the area in 50 years. When asked about those who failed to heed the warnings to evacuate, Lynda Ann Thomas, the Mayor of Galveston, told reporters Friday evening, "We don't know what we are going to find. We hope we will find the people who are left here alive and well. We are keeping our fingers crossed all the people who stayed on Galveston Island managed to survive this."

The Federal Government is ready with FEMA sending 5.5 million prepackaged meals, 230 generators and 5.6 million liters of water along with over 3,500 FEMA officials who are in Texas and Louisiana to assist State and local personnel and the massive private aid effort.

Texas Gov. Rick Perry,commenting on the failure of some to respond to the continued pleas from State officials to evacuate said, "Now it's time for prayers."

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