I lived in Houston for years, and know hundreds of families affected by the flooding, including quite a few relatives of my own. The problem, as I see it, is there will be a *huge* long-term economic impact, that many of my Houston friends are in denial about.
Stores and restaurants won't open, people won't spend money, and that will drag the whole economy into the shitter. Houston has grown and survived for so many years, based on daily immigration from all over the country. Take that away, and the "Houston Miracle" dries up, and disappears.
When people realize that Houston does not offer the kind of economic and employment opportunities it one did, people will relocate elsewhere. San Antonio, and Dallas, will be the obvious winners.
I just wonder what happens over time, with all of that festering rot sitting in the hot sun. Entire neighborhoods are going to remain in standing water for months. No telling. It's just a human travesty, anyway you look at it.