What I have felt in the still of the disastrous winter storm in Texas
Written by Jean Lee
As well aware, sprawling snowstorm and the onslaught of brutal
winter chill have been sweeping many parts of the US states, including the states
that have rarely gone through this unprecedentedly devastating scale of arctic
blast. For example, more than millions of people in quite a lot of areas in the
State of Texas still remain suffering and enduring the state of no power and no
water supply in freezing temps as you speak. It is just like getting a strong,
unexpected hit head-on without ever dreaming of how to prepare for sudden attack
of winter storm. Even the ones who headed out to local hotels, seeking warmth
and water, have also experienced power outage right there. Being exposed to the
unimaginably low temperature without electricity for days would gradually make
your body numb and rigid. As a last resort, many people -including myself and
my husband - kept their cellphones charged in their cars and became inexplicably
frustrated to hear only static and hiss when trying to hear updated news from
radio. It just felt as if we were completely forgotten and deserted from rescue
team or State government. To top it all off, this extremely low temperature has
disrupted Covid-19 vaccinations here and there as well.
In summary, this week here in Texas could be described by
frozen or burst water pipes, nervously counting your bottled waters left in the
pantry, ghastly sights of icicles hung from outdoor spigots and under the roof,
the constant noise of blaring ambulances from the roads, empty residential
areas covered with 6 inches of snow, closed stores and restaurants, hundreds of
people waiting in line to get inside of grocery stores, and you name it.
I still hear we are supposed to prepare for cold
temperatures that will be staying across many parts of the States for more days
ahead. Preparation sounds good and safe in general. However, when people have
never been ready or exposed to this type of abrupt, punishing slap in the face
from mother nature, especially when they hardly feel they are truly taken care
of by the State government that shows no leadership but keeps passing the buck,
how could they properly prepare for disasters? In the middle of this ordeal, what
we could do at the moment is try hard to survive on our own and keep praying
for better tomorrow.
Best description I have heard of weather in Texas. Can really feel the cold from your words.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts. Yes, we're still in the thick of it all and brace ourselves.
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