GALVESTON — City officials announced at 9:30 p.m. Friday that they had no reports that Hurricane Ike had caused any loss of life.
However, they are worried enough what they will find after sunrise to attempt to control media access to damaged areas.
“We just don’t know what we’ll find,” said City Manager Steve LeBlanc.
Crews will go out at first light to begin to assess damage.
Three areas ravaged by fire will likely be first on the list to check.
After watching a fire at the Yacht Basin burn uncontrollably, frustrated firefighters also had to sit by as houses in the Hollywood Heights neighborhood and on 51st Street burned.
The fires likely were caused by sparks set off when water flooded electrical systems, LeBlanc said. Officials do not yet know how many homes were affected.
Crews also will be looking for signs of looting.
Four people were arrested and spending Friday night in the Galveston County Jail, charged with trespassing after jumping fences and walking through backyards on Marine Drive on the East End, said Police Chief Charles Wiley.
The entire island lost power just before 8 p.m. Police officers returned to the San Luis Hotel earlier than expected as widespread street flooding made patrolling impossible.
However, people were still calling for assistance long after anyone could go out to help them.
About 260 people were holed up in the city’s shelter of last resort at Ball High School.
As soon as city crews assess the damage Saturday morning, city officials will ask for any necessary assistance from the state, LeBlanc said. The three companies on contract with the city for cleanup service will start clearing streets as soon as possible, he said.
Officers will set up a perimeter around the city, and no one will be allowed back in until it’s safe, LeBlanc said.
If the damage is really bad, officials may only allow residents back during the day to check on their property, he said. Power to some areas might not be restored for weeks, he said.
City crews responded to about 50 rescue requests, many in the Hollywood Heights area, LeBlanc said.
Mayor Lyda Ann Thomas said she knew the island would suffer greatly from Hurricane Ike, but it was the residents she cared about.
“We just hope people will be alive and well in the morning,” she said. “Keep those who stayed here in your prayers.”
