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Tropical storm Harvey: 30,000 people will need shelter after flooding in Texas - live Tropical storm Harvey: 30,000 people will need shelter after flooding in Texas - live
(35 minutes later)
1.08pm BST
13:08
Brock Long, the director of Fema, urged ordinary citizens to help with the rescue and relief effort.
Here are the key quotes from his statement:
This is a life-safety, life-sustaining mission. Right now in addition to search and rescue, the next objective is to stabilise disaster survivors. We have got to get them into shelters. We are anticipating over 30,000 people being placed in shelters temporarily.
Security is also a main concern ...
Helping Texas overcome this disaster is going to be far greater than Fema coordinating the mission of the federal government. We need citizens to be involved. This is a landmark event. We have not seen an event like this, you could not dream this forecast up. It has been a very challenging effort ... It is going to continue on. We need the whole community effort, it is going to require the citizens getting involved.
We are expecting over 450,000 potential registers of disaster victims. That is a huge number. We have already processed nearly 15,000 calls over the last 24 hours.
I’m asking for all citizens to get involved: donate your money; figure out how you can get involved, as we help Texas find a new normal after this devastating disaster.
12.54pm BST
12:54
Elaine Duke, acting homeland security secretary, said the government is “deeply concerned” about the plight of those in and around Houston.
Here are the key quotes from her statement
Today we are deeply concerned with those in Houston and surrounding areas who are stranded and in need of immediate assistance.
While hurricane force winds have diminished, I want to stress that we are not out of the woods yet, not by a long shot. Harvey is still a dangerous and historic storm.
Life-threatening flooding will occur over a large proportion of south central and south-east Texas in the coming days.
It is vitally important for those in Texas and Louisiana to monitor your local radio and TV stations for updated emergency information and listen to the direction of your local officials.
Under the president’s direction we have made every resource available to respond to this historic storm. We are committed to getting the resources local officials need as soon as possible.
12.43pm BST12.43pm BST
12:4312:43
The press conference ended without any update on the number of people killed in the flooding.The press conference ended without any update on the number of people killed in the flooding.
12.42pm BST12.42pm BST
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Paul Zukunft, commander of the US coast guard, said thousands of lives are being saved by his crews.Paul Zukunft, commander of the US coast guard, said thousands of lives are being saved by his crews.
He said he was concerned by the number of drones in an already crowded airspace. He warned that the using private drones could hamper rescue efforts.He said he was concerned by the number of drones in an already crowded airspace. He warned that the using private drones could hamper rescue efforts.
12.37pm BST12.37pm BST
12:3712:37
Long said that evacuation of Houston could take days, but it has not yet been ordered. He advised residents to listen to local officials before deciding whether they should leave their homes.Long said that evacuation of Houston could take days, but it has not yet been ordered. He advised residents to listen to local officials before deciding whether they should leave their homes.
He said it was not time to start pointing blame on officials who have already ordered evacuations.He said it was not time to start pointing blame on officials who have already ordered evacuations.
12.31pm BST12.31pm BST
12:3112:31
NWS: 'catastrophic flooding' to persistNWS: 'catastrophic flooding' to persist
Louis Uccellini director of National Weather Service warned that “catastrophic flooding” is likely to persist.Louis Uccellini director of National Weather Service warned that “catastrophic flooding” is likely to persist.
He said moderate to heavy rain will resume later on Monday after a brief lull. Flooding is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, Uccellini said.He said moderate to heavy rain will resume later on Monday after a brief lull. Flooding is expected to peak on Wednesday and Thursday, Uccellini said.
He pointed out that 30 inches of rain had fallen on Houston since the storm hit on Friday.He pointed out that 30 inches of rain had fallen on Houston since the storm hit on Friday.
12.24pm BST12.24pm BST
12:2412:24
Fema: 30,000 people will need shelterFema: 30,000 people will need shelter
US emergency officials are giving a press briefing.US emergency officials are giving a press briefing.
Elaine Duke, acting homeland security secretary, says the government has made every resource available to deal with the storm and to get help to local officials as quickly as possible.Elaine Duke, acting homeland security secretary, says the government has made every resource available to deal with the storm and to get help to local officials as quickly as possible.
Brock Long, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said between 30 to 50 counties could be hit by the storm.Brock Long, director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, said between 30 to 50 counties could be hit by the storm.
He said Fema estimates that 30,000 people will need to be placed in shelters.He said Fema estimates that 30,000 people will need to be placed in shelters.
Long described the storm as a “landmark event”.Long described the storm as a “landmark event”.
12.16pm BST12.16pm BST
12:1612:16
Col Lars Zetterstrom defended the reservoir releases on CNN. He said: “We are doing controlled releases from both Addicks and Barker dams to minimise the volume of uncontrolled releases.Col Lars Zetterstrom defended the reservoir releases on CNN. He said: “We are doing controlled releases from both Addicks and Barker dams to minimise the volume of uncontrolled releases.
“I totally understand that the citizens of Harris county and Houston are worried about us releasing this water, but the water is going to go into the Buffalo Bayou no matter what we do, because of what mother nature is doing.”“I totally understand that the citizens of Harris county and Houston are worried about us releasing this water, but the water is going to go into the Buffalo Bayou no matter what we do, because of what mother nature is doing.”
12.09pm BST12.09pm BST
12:0912:09
Army releases water from two reservoirsArmy releases water from two reservoirs
The US Army Corps of Engineers is starting to release water from two Houston-area reservoirs, Reuters reports.The US Army Corps of Engineers is starting to release water from two Houston-area reservoirs, Reuters reports.
The release will cause flooding to homes in the surrounding communities but is necessary because the reservoirs have risen too quickly.The release will cause flooding to homes in the surrounding communities but is necessary because the reservoirs have risen too quickly.
The Corps of Engineers said it needs to release water now to prevent uncontrolled water flowing from the dams. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker into Buffalo Bayou, the primary body of water running through Houston.The Corps of Engineers said it needs to release water now to prevent uncontrolled water flowing from the dams. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker into Buffalo Bayou, the primary body of water running through Houston.
“If we don’t begin releasing now, the volume of uncontrolled water around the dams will be higher and have a greater impact on the surrounding communities,” said Col Lars Zetterstrom, Galveston District commander of the Corps.“If we don’t begin releasing now, the volume of uncontrolled water around the dams will be higher and have a greater impact on the surrounding communities,” said Col Lars Zetterstrom, Galveston District commander of the Corps.
The release is expected to start flooding homes around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs on Monday morning, the Harris County Flood Control District saidThe release is expected to start flooding homes around the Addicks and Barker reservoirs on Monday morning, the Harris County Flood Control District said
11.15am BST11.15am BST
11:1511:15
More than 2,500 people are taking shelter in Houston’s George Brown Convention Center, according to CNN.More than 2,500 people are taking shelter in Houston’s George Brown Convention Center, according to CNN.
The centre tweeted that evacuees and their pets are welcome, but they urged people not to take guns into the makeshift shelter.The centre tweeted that evacuees and their pets are welcome, but they urged people not to take guns into the makeshift shelter.
(1/2) Pets are welcome and will be placed with their owners in a designated area.(1/2) Pets are welcome and will be placed with their owners in a designated area.
(2/2) Additionally, residents have been asked not to bring weapons into the facility.(2/2) Additionally, residents have been asked not to bring weapons into the facility.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.25am BSTat 11.25am BST
10.55am BST10.55am BST
10:5510:55
Flood threat spreads to LouisianaFlood threat spreads to Louisiana
The threat of floods is spreading east to Louisiana, according to the latest warning form the US National Weather Service. It said up to 25 inches (63.5cm) of rain is expected in southwestern parts of the state.The threat of floods is spreading east to Louisiana, according to the latest warning form the US National Weather Service. It said up to 25 inches (63.5cm) of rain is expected in southwestern parts of the state.
#Harvey is producing unprecedented rainfall and life-threatening flooding in SE Texas. Key Messages as of 4am CDT: pic.twitter.com/TzYAm6rsSk#Harvey is producing unprecedented rainfall and life-threatening flooding in SE Texas. Key Messages as of 4am CDT: pic.twitter.com/TzYAm6rsSk
10.33am BST10.33am BST
10:3310:33
Record flooding has hit Houston and south-east Texas as Tropical Storm Harvey causes mounting havoc with yet more rain forecast. It has dumped as much as 30 inches (76cm) of rain in some counties in the past 72 hours including record amounts in the last 24 hours.Record flooding has hit Houston and south-east Texas as Tropical Storm Harvey causes mounting havoc with yet more rain forecast. It has dumped as much as 30 inches (76cm) of rain in some counties in the past 72 hours including record amounts in the last 24 hours.
At least two people have been killed in the floods and tens of thousands have been forced from their homes. The authorities have ordered more than 50,000 people to leave parts of Fort Bend County, about 35 miles (55 km) southwest of Houston as the Brazos River is set to to peak at a record high of 59 feet (18 m) this week, 14 feet above its flood stage.At least two people have been killed in the floods and tens of thousands have been forced from their homes. The authorities have ordered more than 50,000 people to leave parts of Fort Bend County, about 35 miles (55 km) southwest of Houston as the Brazos River is set to to peak at a record high of 59 feet (18 m) this week, 14 feet above its flood stage.
Thousands of people have fled to their rooftops or higher ground as warnings of flash flooding continue through the night. Rescuers struggled to keep up with calls for help. Houston emergency services have received nearly 6,000 appeals for rescues. The Coast Guard said it had rescued 1,200 people, of which 200 were from the air.Thousands of people have fled to their rooftops or higher ground as warnings of flash flooding continue through the night. Rescuers struggled to keep up with calls for help. Houston emergency services have received nearly 6,000 appeals for rescues. The Coast Guard said it had rescued 1,200 people, of which 200 were from the air.
Donald Trump will visit Texas on Tuesday as part of his response to the first natural disaster to test his presidency. He spent Sunday morning tweeting his thoughts from Camp David, from where he took part in a cabinet meeting. “Wow,” he wrote. “Now experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood! We have an all out effort going, and going well!” He would visit Texas, he added, “as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.”Donald Trump will visit Texas on Tuesday as part of his response to the first natural disaster to test his presidency. He spent Sunday morning tweeting his thoughts from Camp David, from where he took part in a cabinet meeting. “Wow,” he wrote. “Now experts are calling #Harvey a once in 500 year flood! We have an all out effort going, and going well!” He would visit Texas, he added, “as soon as that trip can be made without causing disruption. The focus must be life and safety.”
Federal Emergency Management Agency has predicted that the aftermath of the storm would require the agency’s involvement for years. Director Brock Long said: “This disaster’s going to be a landmark event.”Federal Emergency Management Agency has predicted that the aftermath of the storm would require the agency’s involvement for years. Director Brock Long said: “This disaster’s going to be a landmark event.”
The US military has released water from two major reservoirs earlier than planned to protect central Houston, a move that could itself flood several thousands homes. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in western Houston. Residents nearby have been told to monitor water levels and evacuate if they are in danger, but to wait until daylight before they do so.The US military has released water from two major reservoirs earlier than planned to protect central Houston, a move that could itself flood several thousands homes. Water is being released from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs in western Houston. Residents nearby have been told to monitor water levels and evacuate if they are in danger, but to wait until daylight before they do so.
The cost of the flood damage is drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused $108bn of losses (including $80bn of insured losses). About 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas, and disaster relief crews have arrived from as far away as New York and South Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has deployed more than 1,800 staff.The cost of the flood damage is drawing comparisons to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused $108bn of losses (including $80bn of insured losses). About 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas, and disaster relief crews have arrived from as far away as New York and South Colorado. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) has deployed more than 1,800 staff.
Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has defended his decision not to evacuate the flood-prone city, saying he had “no regrets”. No one knew where the hurricane would go, so it was impossible to send people away from danger, Turner said.Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, has defended his decision not to evacuate the flood-prone city, saying he had “no regrets”. No one knew where the hurricane would go, so it was impossible to send people away from danger, Turner said.
A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up to take donations from the public. It will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations can be made via its site.A Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund has been set up to take donations from the public. It will be administered by the Greater Houston Community Foundation. Donations can be made via its site.
People have been urged not to return to Aransas County – where Harvey hit – as emergency services continue the search for any missing people. The area has no water, power or communications.People have been urged not to return to Aransas County – where Harvey hit – as emergency services continue the search for any missing people. The area has no water, power or communications.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.45am BSTat 10.45am BST
9.41am BST9.41am BST
09:4109:41
Dogs, horses and even bats are among some of the animals hit by the storm.Dogs, horses and even bats are among some of the animals hit by the storm.
PHOTOS: Austin animal shelters seek foster families after evacuated pets arrive https://t.co/ElsSRJHwbG #atxweather #Harvey pic.twitter.com/P1t9tiaMCgPHOTOS: Austin animal shelters seek foster families after evacuated pets arrive https://t.co/ElsSRJHwbG #atxweather #Harvey pic.twitter.com/P1t9tiaMCg
Horse in college station at university and HWY 6 trapped in flood waters #Harvey pic.twitter.com/53IAx1KqD5Horse in college station at university and HWY 6 trapped in flood waters #Harvey pic.twitter.com/53IAx1KqD5
My main concerns when I ventured out for a short bike ride: bats & Houston theater. @StagesTheatre looks drier than the bats.#houstonflood pic.twitter.com/DL3gLLQkivMy main concerns when I ventured out for a short bike ride: bats & Houston theater. @StagesTheatre looks drier than the bats.#houstonflood pic.twitter.com/DL3gLLQkiv
9.09am BST9.09am BST
09:0909:09
Some areas have been deluged with more than 30 inches (76cm) of rainfall in the last 72 hours, according to the latest figures from the National Weather Service.Some areas have been deluged with more than 30 inches (76cm) of rainfall in the last 72 hours, according to the latest figures from the National Weather Service.
The worst hit area was Berry B Forest Oaks, in Harris County, where 30.56 inches have fallen since Friday.The worst hit area was Berry B Forest Oaks, in Harris County, where 30.56 inches have fallen since Friday.
Preliminary Rainfall Reports in the Past 72 Hours (Highest Three Reports per County)... https://t.co/dTcpmK5p1C #houwx #glswx #bcswxPreliminary Rainfall Reports in the Past 72 Hours (Highest Three Reports per County)... https://t.co/dTcpmK5p1C #houwx #glswx #bcswx
Record levels of rain have fallen in the last 24 hours alone.Record levels of rain have fallen in the last 24 hours alone.
A record daily max rainfall of 16.07" was set at Houston Intercontinental yesterday, breaking the old record of 8.32" set in 1945. #houwxA record daily max rainfall of 16.07" was set at Houston Intercontinental yesterday, breaking the old record of 8.32" set in 1945. #houwx
8.52am BST8.52am BST
08:5208:52
The Guardian’s Rory Carroll is in Conroe, just north of Houston, where he says the road is too dodgy tocontinue any further.The Guardian’s Rory Carroll is in Conroe, just north of Houston, where he says the road is too dodgy tocontinue any further.
The only vehicles travelling towards Houston are towing boats, he says.The only vehicles travelling towards Houston are towing boats, he says.
The area is filled with families who have fled their homes.The area is filled with families who have fled their homes.
Pausing at Houston outskirts after waterlogged drive from Dallas. Highway signs flashing 'turn around, don't drown'.Pausing at Houston outskirts after waterlogged drive from Dallas. Highway signs flashing 'turn around, don't drown'.
8.46am BST8.46am BST
08:4608:46
CNN has aired live footage of a elderly man being rescued from his home in Dickinson, south-east of Houston.CNN has aired live footage of a elderly man being rescued from his home in Dickinson, south-east of Houston.
The broadcast stopped as the man’s wife, who is reportedly suffering with dementia, was also due to be rescued.The broadcast stopped as the man’s wife, who is reportedly suffering with dementia, was also due to be rescued.
A powerful moment on @CNN just now -- a flood rescue with @edlavaCNN https://t.co/4Icgn35WzVA powerful moment on @CNN just now -- a flood rescue with @edlavaCNN https://t.co/4Icgn35WzV
8.29am BST8.29am BST
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Matthew WeaverMatthew Weaver
At least 18 people, including 15 residents, were rescued from a nursing home in Dickinson, after a photograph of the residents sitting in flooded lounge went viral, the Galveston County Daily News, reports.At least 18 people, including 15 residents, were rescued from a nursing home in Dickinson, after a photograph of the residents sitting in flooded lounge went viral, the Galveston County Daily News, reports.
“We were air-lifting grandmothers and grandfathers,” Dickinson emergency management coordinator David Popoff told the paper.“We were air-lifting grandmothers and grandfathers,” Dickinson emergency management coordinator David Popoff told the paper.
La vita Bella nursing home in Dickinson Texas is almost underwater with nursing home patients pic.twitter.com/oCNkrgoRZYLa vita Bella nursing home in Dickinson Texas is almost underwater with nursing home patients pic.twitter.com/oCNkrgoRZY
8.12am BST8.12am BST
08:1208:12
In terms of basic infrastructure, more than 220,000 customers in the Houston area are without power, the city’s George Bush intercontinental airport (one of the nation’s busiest) and William P Hobby airport are closed to all commercial flights and all the schools in the area have been closed for the week.In terms of basic infrastructure, more than 220,000 customers in the Houston area are without power, the city’s George Bush intercontinental airport (one of the nation’s busiest) and William P Hobby airport are closed to all commercial flights and all the schools in the area have been closed for the week.
The Federal Emergency Management Authority has deployed 1,800 staff and 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas.The Federal Emergency Management Authority has deployed 1,800 staff and 3,000 national and state guard member have been activated in Texas.