HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The cleanup continues for flood victims after a week of relentless rainfall across Southeast Texas.
The hardest hit communities include Harris County residents who live along the San Jacinto River where more than 200 people and hundreds of pets were rescued.
Editor's note: The video above aired in an earlier newscast.
An estimated 200 homes and structures flooded in the county.
The county lifted all evacuation orders earlier this week but the recovery will take months.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said more resources will become available in the coming days, weeks, and months. That includes low-interest loans to help people rebuild.
She is in Washington D.C. this week to secure federal funding as quickly as possible for communities impacted by recent floding, as well as future flooding.
Hidalgo and Harris County Flood Control District Director Dr. Tina Petersen met with Tom Perez, senior adviser to President Joe Biden, and FEMA Deputy Associate Chief Counsel Kristen Buda.
The primary focus of these discussions is two-fold, Hidalgo's office said.
- To urge federal partners to promptly allocate critical funding for residents through channels such as the FEMA Individual Assistance program and Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest disaster loans, vital resources for businesses and homeowners trying to rebuild after declared disasters.
- To identify ways to expedite funding for the Harris County Flood Control Department’s voluntary buyout program so homeowners aren’t forced to rebuild in flood-prone areas. The current process can take 8-18 months, an unfair and challenging time frame for someone in desperate need.
Harris County debris removal
If your home has been affected by severe flooding, the Harris County Office of Emergency Management has a number you can call to get debris picked up.
The number is 713-274-3880. You can also email homeflooding@harriscountytx.gov.
The county asks that you separate debris into six categories – normal household trash, vegetative debris, construction and demolition debris, appliance and white goods, electronics and household chemical waste.
You can see what falls into each category in the post below. Also, make sure not to stack or lean debris that would make removal difficult. And don’t have debris between the sidewalk and your house.