Despite the challenges posed by Hurricane Beryl, which has disrupted regular visa services, the Consulate General of India in Houston has managed to provide emergency consular services, relying on backup power and temporary Internet solutions.  

“We thank you all for your understanding for a temporary delay in regular Passport/OCI/Visa services which require full restoration of internet service which is expected by next week. The Consulate will be open from 10 am to 5 pm over the weekend (13th & 14th July 2024) as well to provide any urgent consular service,” the Consulate said in a statement. 

The Consulate encouraged applicants to call the emergency line at 713-626-2149 for urgent services. If lines are busy, callers are encouraged to leave a voice message, and that the Consulate will make efforts to respond promptly. The statement went on to add that the Consulate is in contact with local Indian Students to provide necessary support.  

“We thank the City of Houston and other City offices including Sugarland, Pearland, Stafford and Missouri, and all other authorities for their efforts to restore the normalcy, especially the power situation. Please find attached the information about the City of Houston Beryl resources for the whole community,” noted the statement. “We also thank the various Indian Community organizations including SEWA, BAPS, and VPSS for their initiatives to help the whole community in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl.”