Road From Rita Testimonials
On Sept. 22, 2015, The Texas Tribune hosted a panel discussion in Beaumont on the lessons learned from Hurricane Rita, the 2005 storm that forever changed how the Texas coast handles mass evacuations. We collected evacuation stories of audience members at the event.
Stories
Taking on Traffic
Officials say steps have been taken to avoid another catastrophic evacuation, but others say the threat remains.
First-Time Evacuees
Many evacuees weren’t prepared ahead of Rita, and officials worry that history could repeat itself.
Keeping the Tanks Full
Hundreds of evacuees ran out of gas in 2005. A state partnership aims to prevent a repeat.
Aiding Fragile Populations
Officials work to avoid the pitfalls that occurred 10 years ago when evacuating elderly and disabled residents.
Better Technology
Emergency officials will be armed with several new tools for the next evacuation.
Stay Home or Leave?
Southeast Texas residents cite several reasons to follow or ignore evacuation orders.
The Difficult Return
Local officials are revamping how they let business owners, emergency responders and residents come home.