Hurricane Harvey’s havoc

"The Zarathushti community in the Houston area did not escape unscathed — at least 13 families had their homes flooded, and scores more families were forced to evacuate their homes from many areas as flood waters rendered many major roads impassable… However, we count ourselves truly lucky that not one Zarathushti suffered injuries or worse during this unfortunate time,” noted Percy Master, secretary of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) as also the Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) in his report on the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey in the last week of August 2017 and the rescue efforts by members of the community.

Hurricane Harvey at peak intensity in southern Texas Photo: Wikipedia

"Most folks who evacuated ended up with friends or fellow Zarathushtis while a few left the area completely and went to nearby cities such as Austin, San Antonio or (mainly) Dallas. Many families in the mandatory evacuation zones chose to stick it out and moved their essential supplies to the second floor of the house so that they could hold out for a few days in the event of water coming into the home,” wrote Master, mentioning that the Hurricane that started on August 24 "gave the city of Houston a once-in-800-year-flood… The storm dumped up to 50 inches of rain in some parts, flooding all parts of the city and overwhelming the drainage systems over a period of several days. The city’s reservoirs and four area rivers set new crest records.”
"Houston looks like a war zone,” noted an email from Homi Davier, chair of ZAHCares Community Assistance Team describing the city that "was under water and it was a heartbreaking and devastating picture with even city and county officials unable to reach so many due to the flooding. The sad part being that some of these were our very own community members who were left looking at the face of disaster… Businesses were shut down and offices, schools and even the roads were bare of human life.”
ZAHCares volunteers "started calling the community and checking up on all the members, providing whatever assistance that could be rendered. Homi himself collated all useful information and sent out periodic eblasts informing the community of the steps that had to be taken, useful information for those who would have to file insurance claims, instructions on dealing with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and coordinating rides for those folks who are unable to drive for themselves,” appreciated Master.

Zoroastrian volunteers (top and above) helping clean up homes left with soggy and hazardous goods

ZAH youth helped in the collection, sorting and repacking of essential items

As the flood waters receded, teams of volunteers started visiting the homes of affected ZAH members, removing soggy and potentially hazardous materials. Farzana and Kayomarz Sidhwa as also Sweta and Minoo Sethna took the lead and organized a collection drive of bottled water, non-perishable, unopened food items, dog and cat food, hosiery, lingerie and garments, toiletries, cell phone chargers and power strips on the first weekend of September. On day one, volunteers ranging in age from four to 70 began to unpack, sort, distribute, repack, label and stack items ready for donations. By day two, the newly constructed Purvez Shiavax Rustomji Room of the Zarathushti Heritage and Cultural Center (ZHCC) was overflowing with supplies. The cash collection totaled $ 4,287 (Rs 2,74,368). "All our community members whose homes had been flooded were invited to take whatever essential supplies they needed first in order to start off their recovery effort. However in true Zarathushti spirit, they replied that they would make do with whatever they had and to donate everything to even needier folks,” stated Master. On September 4, the collected items were distributed to individuals, families, churches, schools, shelters.
Since September 3, 2017 was declared Prayer Day for Hurricane Harvey victims by Texas governor Greg Abbott, ZAH planned a boi ceremony in the Prayer Room after which mobeds led the congregation of nearly 200 in prayers of thanks and healing. This was followed by a potluck lunch at ZHCC. As noted an email from the ZAH executive committee, "We request all of our community to join their voices together as we reflect upon the events of the previous week and seek strength and guidance from Ahura Mazda as Houston and the surrounding communities start to rebuild.”
FEZANA too contributed to the fund-raising drive with treasurer Shirin Jahanian requesting donations online or by cheques to help victims. In addition, there were efforts to mobilize the FEZANA Disaster Relief Subcommittee under the FEZANA Welfare and Critical Assistance Committee "to take care of our community in affected areas anywhere in the world.”
"We are truly gratified that offers of assistance for Houstonians came from as near as Dallas, and as far away as California, Florida and Oklahoma. Fellow Zarathushtis all across North America opened their homes and their hearts to our Houston Zarathushtis in the wake of the devastation we had experienced… We have learnt from this disaster and are putting processes in place to assist us better with disaster management and the safeguarding of our community should the unfortunate need arise once again in future,” concluded Master.
A further update from ZAH shared tips that could be a lesson for all: If moving out of your home, shut off electricity and gas mains. Home insurance does not normally cover flood damage from rising waters. However leaks from plumbing and roof leaks are covered. Stay away from home during repairs is covered by home insurance that also reimburses any expenses incurred like purchase of clothes while taking refuge. Clothes drenched in flood water should be thrown away because of possible bacterial infection unless they have been cleaned with Clorox which damages colored clothes.
Those who are covered by the Federal Flood Insurance and planning to make claims are advised: The waterline on the walls must be visible. One cannot cut more than two feet of sheetrock (plaster board made of several fiberboards, etc) until the adjuster arrives. If flooring is to be removed, a section of it must be left in each room. If claim is to be made for furniture or any other items, they must be kept indoors to prove that efforts were made to preserve them. Horizontal pictures need to be taken of damaged items on which claim will be sought, showing the brand of the item and, if possible, the model number. Those who do not have flood insurance are advised to buy it and in the meanwhile use the federal aid program.