Taken on September 24th, 2017, this photograph is of a previously vacant lot and building which are now the dumping grounds for local debris and appliances that were destroyed by flooding. A month after Harvey hit this photo illustrates the ongoing restorative process which is quite slow. Officials estimate that the city “will collect 8 million cubic yards of waste at a cost of more than $200 million”.[1] It is also estimated that the major flooding affected a half million vehicles throughout the state.[2] A little over two months later, most major debris removal has concluded but the psychological effects remain.

For Mrs. Byrd, she understands not only the physical loss but also the emotional loss of sentimental possessions that cannot be replaced. In addition to the bathroom they recently began renovating, she also recently purchased a new dryer which was used for about three loads of laundry before it was ruined in the flood. Major furniture like their bed and living room furniture were also destroyed. Three out of four vehicles were totaled, thankfully her husband’s truck which they recently paid off was able to be saved. More meaningful pieces that were lost include her daughter’s piano, school photos of her children over the years, college graduation photographs, and her own wedding dress. Even in the midst of such immense loss, there are small victories like a book of family recipes that they were able to dry out and salvage.[3]

 

[1] Dug Begley and Maggie Gordon, "Hauling off Harvey Debris Will Take Time," Houston Chronicle, September 15, 2017, http://www.chron.com/life/article/Hauling-off-Harvey-debris-will-take-time-12201969.php.

[2] Ryan Maye Handy, "Harvey Likely Ruined 500,000 Vehicles in Texas," Houston Chronicle, August 30, 2017, http://www.chron.com/news/houston-weather/hurricaneharvey/article/Harvey-likely-ruined-half-million-cars-in-Texas-12161835.php.

[3] Sheila Byrd, "Sheila Byrd Hurricane Harvey Interview," interview by author, November 2, 2017.

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