Hurricane Ike continues to be a nightmare for the people of Texas.

On Galveston island, there is still no water, no power, no working toilets, no food, no phones. The fetid air and the lack of running water is becoming an increasing health hazard. All evacuees have been ordered to stay away until further notice.

One of the largest recovery operations in Texas’ history is now underway but as of Monday afternoon roughly 1.65 million Texans had no electricity and more than 3 million homes and businesses in several states across the region were without power. Millions are still facing food, water and gas shortages and the devastating storm is responsible for at least 7 deaths in Texas and 30 deaths over all in eight states across the United States, including six in Louisiana and one in Arkansas.

Related:

Inconvenient Truth of the Day

Rescues Continue in Texas; Millions Without Power

(photo: New York Times; see more photos here)