HOUSTON — Community members and local officials described their experiences surviving hurricanes, floods and other extreme weather events during a town hall over the weekend in Houston, where speakers also called for increased federal funding for disaster preparedness and recovery programs.
Doris Brown, co-director of West Street Recovery, said floodwaters from Hurricane Harvey entered her home and nearly struck her while she was seated in a chair moments earlier.
Brown spoke at the event hosted by the Climate Action Campaign and other environmental groups, where more than 20 residents shared accounts of surviving natural disasters.
“We have had so many natural disasters and they are only getting worse,” Brown said.
The United States has experienced multiple severe weather events in recent years, including hurricanes, flooding, a derecho, and a historic winter freeze in Texas over the past decade.
Speakers at the town hall urged stronger government investment in disaster response systems and raised concerns about climate change and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events.
Amy Zachmeyer, a local organizer, said communities often emphasize resilience but face repeated recovery burdens after disasters.
“Resilience is only a virtue when you’re forced to need it,” Zachmeyer said. “What we actually deserve is safety and security.”
The Climate Action Campaign said the event was part of a national initiative calling for full funding of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the National Weather Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, as well as stronger environmental regulation and expanded clean energy policies.
Galena Park Fire Chief Tom Ehlers said repeated disasters have affected communities physically, emotionally, and financially, citing impacts from hurricanes, flooding, and industrial incidents.
“There’s a physical toll. There’s a mental toll and a financial toll that is felt from everyone,” Ehlers said.
