Thousands in shelters after Ike

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Thousands in shelters after Ike

Houses are seen surrounded by flooding caused by Hurricane Ike, Sunday, Sept. 14, 2008, in Bridge City, Texas. Ike was the first major storm to directly hit a major U.S. metro area since Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005. (AP Photo/Pool, Smiley N. Pool)

Story Created: Sep 15, 2008 at 9:44 AM EST

Story Updated: Sep 15, 2008 at 9:44 AM EST

HOUSTON (AP) - It may be a while before Texans who fled the fury of Hurricane Ike will be able to go home again.

Evacuees, some with little cash and no idea of what the coming days hold, have filled shelters across the state. Thousands of people face long stays because their homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm.

Even for those who still have a home to go to, Ike's 110 mile-per-hour winds and battering waves left thousands in coastal areas without electricity, gas and basic communications. Officials estimate it may not be restored for a month.

Many people who had ignored evacuation orders and tried to ride out the storm had to be rescued. They now find themselves facing indefinite stays at shelters in San Antonio and Austin.

The death toll from Ike stands at 30 in eight states.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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