Our man Taylor is still in Houston, affecting water rescues and treating refugees. After taking time to recover from a snake bite, JWT reports what we suspected: Texas and other local volunteers have saved — and continue to save — the day for residents trapped in The Bayou City’s floodwaters.
“There are thousands of private boats here,” JWT reported. “And yes it’s a clusterf*ck. But there are so many boats it doesn’t matter. Volunteers are getting it done.”
And they’re armed. Jon tells me that every single official and unofficial “member” the so-called Cajun Navy — the volunteers destroying their boats’ hulls to rescue stranded Texans — has a pistol. “This isn’t New Jersey,” Jon pointed out. He also said he talked to some water-borne rescuers who were ambushed at gunpoint. Someone called in a fake rescue, then stole their boat.
Otherwise, Jon says he hasn’t seen any looting, and doesn’t expect very much in the worst hit residential areas. “The houses are completely underwater. Anything left is going to be really soggy.”
That said, the Houston Chronicle reported yesterday 40 arrested in Harris County for looting. “Officials warned residents to beware of scammers, as well, offering services door-to-door with fake stories of being police officers or contractors hoping to help.” Human nature, good and bad. And so it goes.