'Be patient, we're coming': Recovery efforts continue across Fort Bend County
RICHMOND, Texas (KTRK) -- Across Fort Bend County, officials estimate there are over 500,000 cubic yards of flood debris caused.
It is an ongoing effort to remove that from individual properties and to get it to a landfill.
"It's bad for all these people. What can you say? Sorry doesn't help," said Reuben Zavala, who is among the crews picking up debris around the county.
These workers welcomed the effort.
"It was really a relief to see that (they were) really moving around and being on my side of the street. I was really happy to see that," said homeowner Dorothy Martinez.
Countywide, officials say they hope to complete an entire first pass of debris pick up by Monday.
"We just now went thru 225,000 cubic yards picked up. So we still have 275,000 cubic yards to remove. There's a lot of debris out there. The only thing we can ask is to be patient. We're coming," said Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert. He says they expect to have debris-hauling trucks make three passes by homes in unincorporated county neighborhoods within six weeks.
Officials say 7,000 homes were damaged by floodwaters.
"It hurts. A lot of money go down the river," said Fort Bend homeowner Seberiano Gamino. He lives near Cumings Road and FM 732, one of the areas hardest hit by floodwaters. More than a month after the flooding and, like so many, he's still cleaning up. He is not sure when he will be able to return.
Caroline Egan with the Fort Bend Office of Emergency Management says 54,000 people have registered with FEMA, reporting losses. Over $35 million has been disbursed so far to residents.
"Our people are very resilient here. We're moving forward with recovery," said Egan.
If you need assistance and live in Fort bend you can log onto Fort Bend County's website to request help.
