Hurricane Harvey Aftermath: Texas town struggles to recover from disaster

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In the United States, the death toll has risen in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. At least 60 people have died. For those who survived, getting back to a normal routine is a struggle. In Beaumont, an hour east of Houston, a big challenge is finding basic necessities like clean water as CGTN's Sean Callebs tells us.

This is how the people in Beaumont, Texas are getting their drinking water. Each day, they line up at one of three main distribution sites around town. Federal lawmakers helped hand out three jugs of water - two bags of ice - and a box of what's known as MRE's, or meals ready to eat to each car.

KEVIN McCARTHY US CONGRESSMAN "We want to make sure Texas know that we will be there for them." Beaumont was hit hard by Harvey. It's two water treatment plants were flooded - The town has had no running drinking water since the storm.

SEAN CALLEBS BEAUMONT, TEXAS "Oppressive Texas heat has replaced the record rainfall that Harvey brought when it made landfall. And, the initial shock has given way to the reality that it is going to be a long time before this area of southeastern Texas returns to normal. Many in this town of 118 thousand wonder when will drinking water flow again."

Gail Joubert checks on her flooded home from time to time. Her problems are compounded - rebuilding will be a struggle.

GAIL JOUBERT BEAUMONT RESIDENT "We didn't get the flood insurance - wind, storm, yes - insurance, yes - but flood insurance, no." She and her elderly mother have moved in for the time being with her sister Patricia - It was Patricia's quick thinking that helped the family once the tap was turned off.

GAIL JOUBERT BEAUMONT RESIDENT "That night when they called and said the water was cut off, she filled these things with water."

This is used to wash clothes. Their drinking water -and water to cook with comes from the daily handouts.

GAIL JOUBERT BEAUMONT RESIDENT "I got this yesterday - two things of ice so we put it in the freezer."

But - the hot days - and lack of necessities are taking a toll.

GAIL JOUBERT BEAUMONT RESIDENT "(It has got to be frustrating) That's the word we were saying. Yes, frustrating - something that you are used to having every day and not being able to get to it."

Frustration and uncertainty - two by-products of Harvey, that sadly are not in short supply. Sean Callebs, CGTN, Beaumont, Texas.