Answers to your questions:
1) In it's current state, the real estate market is not functioning. Therefore, there is no market mechanism which will allow for price discovery. As a result, people arrive at the conclusion that it is 'too soon' to engage in real estate market activity.
2) Depends on the damage and the location and market valuations. Since there is no market providing valuations at the moment, some people think it is 'too soon' to begin providing market bids.
3) Shelter: Many people are engaged in providing shelter in post-disaster area free of charge, due to the huge dislocation of the market. I read an article today about a furniture store in Houston that is providing free shelter for a few hundred families. Are churches responding the same way? Dunno. I hope so. Since the real estate market is not functioning properly at the moment, people are practicing humanity, not capitalism.
4) Again: Is the market functioning properly, or is it still dislocated? Many victims of the flooding engaged in lifelong responsible acts, other than living in Houston, they did nothing wrong. Why should someone profiteer at their expense?
Keep in mind that the real estate market in Houston is not functioning. And, it probably won't for a few more weeks. This isn't the first time that an entire market shuts down due to external events and no fault of the market participants--remember after 9-11 the stock markets (NYSE, NASDAQ, etc) were closed for a week (or so). They stayed closed for the same reason as I mentioned above--no reason for someone to profiteer while the markets are not functioning.
To me, capitalism is about willing seller and willing buyer. Not willing seller and distressed buyer/under duress. Every market participant has their own viewpoint in this regard. YMMV. Why not just embrace your inner capitalist and admit that money is more important than people?