Messages about our Texas colleagues from Linda Watson, AAHSL President
I’ve been trying to gather information about our colleagues in Texas and their status following Hurricane Ike. Here’s what I have so far from various sources:
- Sept 15: From Brett Kirkpatrick: he is safe in Dallas and his UTMB-Galveston staff is ok, although some lost their homes.
- Sept 15: (from ARL via Fred Health, Texas A&M) : Informal reports suggest that the University of Texas Medical Branch (Galveston) suffered quite a bit of damage from the hurricane. Overall, reports are that the UTMB has had significant amounts water in almost every building on campus but assistance was able to get through the checkpoint about noon with several semis of supplies including generators, dehumidifiers, and water tankers. They are on campus now and working, using vacuum trucks to extract water from elevator pits and basements. Only six land lines work but potable water is OK. UTMB will be a priority but it might still be 2 – 4 weeks until power is restored to the entire campus. It is estimated that it may take 30-45 days to restore power to the entire island. Regular updates are available at http://www.utmb.edu/
- Sept 15: (from ARL) The report from M.D. Anderson Research Medical Library (Houston) is that it is in recovery mode regarding damage reported yesterday. Most of the Houston area continues to have no power. Reports indicate about 97% of the city is still without power. Fortunately, the Medical Center has power and didn’t lose it at any time during the storm. M.D. Anderson had several serious leaks in the library from the storm, the most serious were along the south side of the building. Fortunately the window sills and desk areas had been cleared prior to the storm. M. D. Anderson will remain closed as the Recovery Team continues their work.
- September 15 (from NNLM/Greater Midwest Region): As many of you are aware, the South Central RML is currently closed, and will remain closed until Thursday, September 18th, due to affects of Hurricane Ike. In accordance with the NN/LM National Emergency Preparedness & Response plan, South Central’s buddy RML, the Middle Atlantic Region (MAR), is backing up the office by taking calls and redirecting DOCLINE, when necessary. A special thanks to MAR staff for temporarily taking on this important responsibility.
Linda Watson, MLS, AHIP, FMLA
President, Assoc of Academic Health Sciences Libraries
Director, Health Sciences Libraries
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
450B Diehl Hall / 505 Essex Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-626-7039 (voice) / 612-626-5822 (fax)
