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The Arctic blast that threw Texas into deep freeze in mid-February with temperatures ranging from teeth-chattering -2° to -28° C (see photo on pg 32), and the consequent higher demand for power, compelling the authorities to impose rotating blackouts caused untold damage to many buildings. Many community members were faced with harrowing experiences of pipe bursts, water leaks, damaged roofs, no electricity and water, etc at their homes. Additionally the freezing temperatures and power outages took a toll on the Zoroastrian centers in Houston as also Northern Texas.
"We had a fire sprinkler pipe burst which caused flooding in the main hall with water… flowing to the kitchen while destroying the wooden dance floor on its way. We also had a water leak in the wall near the prayer room,” noted a communication dated February 23 from the ZAH (Zoroastrian Association of Houston) executive committee.
"Nature once again showed us who is the boss despite all our technological advancements,” noted the ZAH communiqué appreciating the efforts of ZAH members who promptly offered assistance. The Atash Kadeh Committee and Ervads Pervez Gonda and Manek Sidhwa ensured the holy fire kept burning with all the requisite prayers despite freezing temperatures and lack of water supply and power.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Building Maintenance Committee members Sheroy Haveliwala and Yezdi Engineer along with Aderbad Tamboli spent time and skills in supporting the restoration work by professionals. The Building Management Subcommittee, particularly Arnavaz Sethna, organized the cleanup operations with the services of the  janitor company and the plumber. Kershaw Khumbatta helped with the dance floor replacement and treasurer Farokh Billimoria ensured prompt payments.
The estimated cost of repairs will be USD 7,000 (Rs 5,07,098), stated Nozer Dungor, chair of the ZAH executive committee, in his response to Parsiana. "This amount would have been higher were it not for the talented, dedicated individuals within our community” whose timely response "provided sweat equity or help with the vendors in establishing better pricing,” he added.
Expecting the Center to be ready in time for the Navroz function on March 21, the committee infused positivity, "We Texan Zarathushtis are a resilient lot.” During the pandemic ZAH had organized outdoor events like a "Drive through gahanbar” as well as a "Curbside carnival.” This Navroz they are offering members three options based on their personal comfort level: drive through/ pick up food to take home; eat outside in the open; gather inside the hall in a limited capacity for which masks will be mandatory except while eating. "Things may change based on governmental guidelines as well as community response so it is fluid and subject to change or cancellation,” Dungor clarified.
"Dripping faucets, the extremely low temperatures along with power outages for more than a day or two, took its toll” on the ZANT (Zoroastrian Association of Northern Texas) Center too.  "We had a pipe rupture above the kitchen ceiling which took down the drywall and flooded the rest of the Center including the carpeting in the prayer room,” the ZANT board informed the community on February 21. They have filed a claim with their insurance company and were awaiting inspection of the damage along with the insurance reimbursement to commence repair work. As noted ZANT president Spenta Irani, "We estimate to complete the work and have the Center accessible again in two to three months. However due to Covid restrictions… large gatherings at the Center are not anticipated for a longer duration.”
The ZANT board valued the prompt action of the Flower Mound Fire Department that went to the site within minutes, turning off the water main and dewatering the building thanks to the prompt coordination by Keshvar Buhariwalla, Dilnawaz Rustomji and her family, and Arbez Patel. The dedicated ZANT board members visited the site the next morning, mopped up the wet corners and initiated insurance claim procedures while Jamshed Jamadar and Firoze Sidwa continued to maintain vigil.
"We may get hit and fall, but we will always get up stronger!” announced the ZANT board.