The historic rains on April 17-18 and subsequent flooding in Katy damaged more than 100 homes and 25 businesses, officials said during Monday’s Katy City Council meeting. “It was pretty amazing. [Water] was [at] historic levels throughout Katy,” said Maria Galvez, Katy’s emergency management coordinator. “Everyone was on high alert [the night of April 17], and now here comes the water all the sudden. It was something not to be reckoned with.” Galvez told the council members and several dozen attendees that 75 water rescues were conducted in the city. No lives were lost due to the flooding, she said. Katy city engineer David Leyendecker said the flood waters damaged more than 100 homes. City Administrator Byron Hebert said at least 25 businesses, too, suffered damage, many along Hwy. 90. No monetary amount has been determined for the total damage suffered throughout the city. “I never thought I’d see a flood like the magnitude we got,” Leyendecker said. “A tremendous amount of water came across Morton Road.” Leyendecker said the city has temporarily waived building fees for residents whose homes were damaged by the floods and need repairs. “We are all here to help you where ever we can,” Leyendecker said. A building permit is not needed for replacing sheetrock or flooring, however any structural work, electrical repairs, plumbing or HVAC work does require a permit. The costs of permits vary depending on the scope and type of work required. Kayce Reina, director of tourism and marketing for Katy, said residents in need of a permit for certain repairs due to the flood waters are encouraged to report the damage to both city officials and to the county they reside in. A database will be maintained of flood-affected residents. Hebert told council members that the city was working hard to clean up the debris and trash that has accumulated in some areas of the city as a result of flood clean-up efforts. “We’ll be looking into different ways to do debris removal,” Hebert said. “It’s going to take time. We will need some patience.” Galvez said the floods prompted immediate response from city police, fire and other emergency personnel. She praised the efforts of citizens and first responders who helped rescue residents and provided emergency supplies. “Katy is very resilient,” she said. “This much water let us know we were in over our heads. We’re pretty proud of how we reacted.” Katy Mayor Fabol Hughes signed a declaration of disaster on April 19 indicating that the city had suffered “severe damage” resulting from flooding. Galvez said anyone who suffered flood-related damage should immediately report the damage on the city’s web site—leaving their name, address and a description of the damage. “If you have flood damage, then you need to go and sign up. It’s a very simple process,” Galvez. “If you are affected and have not done this yet, please do so.”