More than a million people in the Houston area remain without power on Thursday following the landfall of Hurricane Beryl on Monday. The hurricane caused widespread damage to the electrical infrastructure, with high winds and flooding toppling power lines, damaging transformers, and inundating substations. The extensive outages have left residents struggling to cope with the heat and lack of essential services.

Utility companies have deployed thousands of workers to the affected areas, working around the clock to restore power. However, the sheer scale of the damage means that many neighborhoods are expected to remain without electricity for several more days. Crews are prioritizing critical infrastructure such as hospitals, emergency services, and water treatment plants.

Local officials have opened emergency shelters and cooling centers to help those affected by the outages, providing temporary relief and essential supplies. Residents are being urged to conserve water and remain patient as efforts continue to restore power and return to normalcy.

The outages have also disrupted communications, with many people unable to charge their phones or access the internet. This has made it challenging for families to stay in touch and for authorities to disseminate important information.

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency, mobilizing state resources to assist with the recovery efforts. The National Guard has been deployed to assist with search and rescue operations, distribute supplies, and support utility workers.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has been providing regular updates to the public, urging residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly and those with medical conditions. He has emphasized the importance of community solidarity during this difficult time.

The power outages have also impacted businesses, with many remaining closed due to the lack of electricity. This has added to the economic strain on the community, already dealing with the aftermath of the hurricane.

As the recovery efforts continue, utility companies are working to provide more accurate estimates of when power will be restored to various parts of the city. They are also addressing safety concerns, warning residents to stay away from downed power lines and to use generators safely to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

The situation remains fluid, with weather conditions and the extent of the damage posing ongoing challenges to the restoration efforts. Authorities are committed to restoring power as quickly and safely as possible, but they are also preparing for the possibility of a prolonged recovery period.