September of 2008 will be remembered because of the 9/11 anniversary, but it will also be remembered because of the damage caused by Hurricane Ike. Much of the destruction that was caused by this category two hurricane took place in Texas and Louisiana along the coast lines of the Gulf of Mexico, but other areas further inland, like the city of Houston, got their share of damage as well.

Hurricane Ike was only one of several strong storm systems that have come ashore in the Gulf this season, but it was one of the worst. People knew for days in advance that it was coming and many people evacuated to avoid being trapped in their homes during and after the storm. Some of the ones who decided to stay and did not evacuate, ended up wishing they had heeded the warning to leave.

A total of 40 or more people were killed because of Ike related incidents. Approximately 2000 people ended up being rescued because they did not leave. Ike has caused the largest search and rescue mission in Texas history. For those that were rescued after the storm, the only thing many of them could do was to board buses that were supplied to take them to shelters. There they have to remain until they are allowed to return to their homes, that is, if their homes are fit to return to.

Other evacuees that left before the storm were told to stay out of Galveston for the time being. It was not sure when they would have power and other utilities restored. For those that evacuated in Houston, they returned, but still had no power and some other utilities as well. It always takes time to get things back to normal after disasters such as Ike and people just have to be patient and be prepared to wait it out in their homes as best they can or stay somewhere else if it is an option for them.

It was hard for those people who were trapped by Hurricane Katrina and the ones who evacuated too and no one could know how difficult it was for them until now. For the people who live in Galveston and other areas affected by Ike, they can now be added to that short list of Americans who can tell you exactly how traumatic it is to be displaced, endure, and survive such a devastating storm.