Frustration mounts for Meyerland residents after second major flood

MEYERLAND, TX (KTRK) -- Texas' oldest Jewish congregation is joining Mayor Sylvester Turner in encouraging residents in the flood-ravaged Meyerland-area to rebuild.

About 100 homes in Meyerland, southwest Houston, suffered flood damage after Monday's storms, 30 of which belong to members of Congregation Beth Israel. The sanctuary at the synagogue also took on water.

"We do want them to rebuild. It's worth staying and committing ourselves to rebuild," said Rabbi David Lyon.

Southwest Houston is home to major Jewish institutions. While Rabbi Lyon is confident the city is committed to helping its residents. He is also calling on city and county leaders to find a solution to the flooding problem. Water seeps in as Brays Bayou backs up. Before last Memorial Day, residents say their home had never flooded.

"I know the problem was there last time but no one addressed it or did anything about it but here we are again," said Mark Taylor as he continued cleaning up his waterlogged home.

The mayor maintains solving the Brays Bayou flooding problem is a top priority. He plans to appoint a so-called "flood czar," but has offered no other details.

"I would never in a million years would think this would happen again. I would like to see improvements made," said Stephanie Phillips, another flood victim, as she stood next to a pile of debris Thursday night.