In response to severe disruptions to the power and water network in Texas, US President Biden has declared the state a disaster zone. Texas has been plagued for days by extreme winter weather, and after a peak load on the electricity grid, millions of residents were left without power. More than half of Texans still have limited access to clean water.
By making the state a disaster zone, money can be made available at the federal level for affected residents. For example, it can be used for temporary housing, repairs to homes and loans for people who are poorly insured and have damage.
It is no longer freezing in Texas and many people have electricity in their homes again, but the state is still struggling with serious problems due to the extreme weather. At least 70 people died, including from carbon monoxide poisoning, fires from stoves and hypothermia. Bodies of people believed to have been frozen to death in recent days were found in homes in various places.
Furthermore, many people are without food and about 14 million Texans are struggling with water supply problems.
Melt water
In about half of the state, it is recommended to boil water before use, because the water purification systems are not working or not working properly due to the power failure. There are also problems with the water supply in parts where the treatment systems have not been flattened. Many pipelines have been closed for fear of freezing.
Residents who do not have access to water are advised to collect melt water from snow, for example to flush the toilet. They are also advised to ask for help from their neighbors.
Meanwhile, hoarding is rampant in the state and food is running out in some stores. The food banks are also finding it increasingly difficult to meet the high demand.
Biden wants to go to Texas
President Biden plans to visit Texas, but says he will not do so until he is not a burden to the state. “When the president lands in any city in America, it has a big tail. And they work themselves to death there to take care of their people,” he said.
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