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Tropical storm Harvey: thousands await rescue amid 'catastrophic' flooding – live updates Tropical storm Harvey: thousands await rescue amid 'catastrophic' flooding – live updates
(35 minutes later)
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These sliding graphics show two parts of Houston transformed by still-rising flooding:
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Six members of one family are believed to have died after their vehicle became trapped in floodwater. Virginia Saldivar said the passengers – whose bodies have not been found – included her parents-in-law, along with four children aged between six and 16.
Saldivar told the Associated Press that her husband’s brother, Samuel Saldivar, had driven to his parents’ home on Sunday when it began to flood:
She said at some point on their way to safety, a strong current lifted the van and pitched it forward into Greens Bayou. Samuel Saldivar climbed out of the driver-side window but the van’s sliding door was partially submerged and would not open. He yelled at the children to try to escape from the back, but they were unable to.
Virginia Saldivar said her brother-in-law could only watch as the van disappeared under water:
Sam calls my husband and tells him: ‘They’re gone.’ That’s when my husband dropped the phone and started screaming.”
Virginia Saldivar believes her husband’s parents, 84-year-old Manuel Saldivar and Belia Saldivar, 81, drowned along with their great-grandchildren Daisy, Xavier, Dominic and Devy.
Saldivar said the coast guard had told her family they could not search for the bodies until the water recedes.
The children’s mother had left the four with their great-grandparents, she said. The widespread flooding prevented her from getting home until Sunday afternoon.
Saldivar said she has not yet told the children’s father, her son, who she says is in prison for violating parole.
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What we know so farWhat we know so far
Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
Former Hurricane-turned-Tropical storm Harvey is regaining strength and continues to batter southeastern Texas, with life-threatening floods surging through Houston.Former Hurricane-turned-Tropical storm Harvey is regaining strength and continues to batter southeastern Texas, with life-threatening floods surging through Houston.
With many homes flooded, thousands of people have sought emergency shelter from the wind and rains, with officials estimating that 30,000 residents are likely to need shelter. Houston’s main hub, the George R Brown convention center, has already exceeded its bed capacity of 5,000.With many homes flooded, thousands of people have sought emergency shelter from the wind and rains, with officials estimating that 30,000 residents are likely to need shelter. Houston’s main hub, the George R Brown convention center, has already exceeded its bed capacity of 5,000.
An unknown number of people remain stranded in their homes awaiting rescue. Police, military and coast guard, along with volunteer teams, have taken to boats to try to reach those trapped, with some working through the night.An unknown number of people remain stranded in their homes awaiting rescue. Police, military and coast guard, along with volunteer teams, have taken to boats to try to reach those trapped, with some working through the night.
At least eight people are reported to have been killed in the storm, including a family reportedly killed when their van was swept away in floodwater.At least eight people are reported to have been killed in the storm, including a family reportedly killed when their van was swept away in floodwater.
There is expected to be no let-up in the storm’s intensity throughout Tuesday, with up to 20 inches of further rain forecast for the stricken region. The storm is also due to lash southern Louisiana, where a federal state of emergency has been declared.There is expected to be no let-up in the storm’s intensity throughout Tuesday, with up to 20 inches of further rain forecast for the stricken region. The storm is also due to lash southern Louisiana, where a federal state of emergency has been declared.
President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, will visit Texas on Tuesday, stopping off at Corpus Christi and Austin to witness the relief efforts.President Donald Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, will visit Texas on Tuesday, stopping off at Corpus Christi and Austin to witness the relief efforts.
Trump earlier defended his decision to pardon former sheriff Joe Arpaio during the hurricane on Friday, saying:Trump earlier defended his decision to pardon former sheriff Joe Arpaio during the hurricane on Friday, saying:
I assumed the ratings would be far higher than they would be normally.I assumed the ratings would be far higher than they would be normally.
The flood damage is expected to cost tens of billions and there are concerns for the health of people caught up in muddy floodwaters.The flood damage is expected to cost tens of billions and there are concerns for the health of people caught up in muddy floodwaters.
On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott activated the entire state National Guard, tripling the number of active personnel from 4,000 to 12,000.On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott activated the entire state National Guard, tripling the number of active personnel from 4,000 to 12,000.
UpdatedUpdated
at 6.07am BSTat 6.07am BST
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Adam GabbattAdam Gabbatt
The sheer scale of Harvey – some parts of Texas may experience a year’s worth of rainfall in just over a week – has undoubtedly contributed to the extent of the flooding. The storm has become wedged between two weather systems, one trying to push it north, the other trying to push it south, which means it is likely to continue to pour on Houston for days.The sheer scale of Harvey – some parts of Texas may experience a year’s worth of rainfall in just over a week – has undoubtedly contributed to the extent of the flooding. The storm has become wedged between two weather systems, one trying to push it north, the other trying to push it south, which means it is likely to continue to pour on Houston for days.
And with that rain the storm is essentially feeding itself, according to the Scientific American. Hurricanes normally pull in moisture from the ocean. But Harvey has dumped so much on Houston that at this point it is reabsorbing that water from the flooded city and hurling it back down.And with that rain the storm is essentially feeding itself, according to the Scientific American. Hurricanes normally pull in moisture from the ocean. But Harvey has dumped so much on Houston that at this point it is reabsorbing that water from the flooded city and hurling it back down.
Experts say that even less volatile storms in the future will cause widespread damage to Houston.Experts say that even less volatile storms in the future will cause widespread damage to Houston.
The city’s impermeable roads and sidewalks are built on the coastal prairie and wetlands of the western Gulf, and its topography is flat, with no run-off area for excess water. At the same time, the changing climate means these heavy storms are becoming more frequent.The city’s impermeable roads and sidewalks are built on the coastal prairie and wetlands of the western Gulf, and its topography is flat, with no run-off area for excess water. At the same time, the changing climate means these heavy storms are becoming more frequent.
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Reports from Houston say an estimated 7,000 people have so far sought shelter at the George R. Brown convention center, which has a capacity of 5,000 beds for the night.Reports from Houston say an estimated 7,000 people have so far sought shelter at the George R. Brown convention center, which has a capacity of 5,000 beds for the night.
Many will sleep on the floor or in chairs in the makeshift camp tonight.Many will sleep on the floor or in chairs in the makeshift camp tonight.
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Tom DartTom Dart
At least 10 cities in the Houston suburbs have instituted nighttime curfews.At least 10 cities in the Houston suburbs have instituted nighttime curfews.
Katy, nearly 30 miles (48km) west of downtown Houston along Interstate 10, added its own dawn-till-dusk curfew on Monday “to protect our citizens and property from unauthorised individuals entering our city”, mayor Chuck Brawner said in a statement.Katy, nearly 30 miles (48km) west of downtown Houston along Interstate 10, added its own dawn-till-dusk curfew on Monday “to protect our citizens and property from unauthorised individuals entering our city”, mayor Chuck Brawner said in a statement.
Houston police chief Art Acevedo told reporters on Monday that four suspected looters had been arrested and his department is on the lookout for people who may “move in from around other states and even other cities in other regions to loot and create problems”. He added:Houston police chief Art Acevedo told reporters on Monday that four suspected looters had been arrested and his department is on the lookout for people who may “move in from around other states and even other cities in other regions to loot and create problems”. He added:
If you try to commit a criminal offence or especially try to take advantage of our citizens that have already been victimised enough by Mother Nature, you can be assured you’ll be arrested.If you try to commit a criminal offence or especially try to take advantage of our citizens that have already been victimised enough by Mother Nature, you can be assured you’ll be arrested.
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At almost 11pm local time, search and rescue efforts are continuing in the dark:At almost 11pm local time, search and rescue efforts are continuing in the dark:
Police and coast guard teams have each rescued around 3,000 people, officials said.Police and coast guard teams have each rescued around 3,000 people, officials said.
Those still trapped in their homes have been urged to hang sheets or towels from their windows so they can be spotted by rescue teams.Those still trapped in their homes have been urged to hang sheets or towels from their windows so they can be spotted by rescue teams.
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We will not ask for immigration status or papers from anyone at any shelter. This rumor is FALSE!We will not ask for immigration status or papers from anyone at any shelter. This rumor is FALSE!
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Col Steven Metze, public affairs officer, Texas military department, told CNN that rescuers would not be taking a break as night fell:Col Steven Metze, public affairs officer, Texas military department, told CNN that rescuers would not be taking a break as night fell:
The men and women of the Texas military are working round the clock and they’re going to keep working. We’ve got to plan to keep it going 24/7.The men and women of the Texas military are working round the clock and they’re going to keep working. We’ve got to plan to keep it going 24/7.
Officials do not know how many people still need to be rescued, Metze said:Officials do not know how many people still need to be rescued, Metze said:
We’re still getting plenty of calls … those have not slowed down, so I know we still have a lot of work to do.We’re still getting plenty of calls … those have not slowed down, so I know we still have a lot of work to do.
The biggest issue right now is just time: getting to everyone we need to reach.The biggest issue right now is just time: getting to everyone we need to reach.
The Texas military would be bringing in more people, lifting the numbers engaged in rescue work from 3,000 to 12,000. Fourteen helicopters were originally deployed; that is now raised to 22, and will be 46 by Tuesday.The Texas military would be bringing in more people, lifting the numbers engaged in rescue work from 3,000 to 12,000. Fourteen helicopters were originally deployed; that is now raised to 22, and will be 46 by Tuesday.
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Rainfall 'as high as 50 inches' still to comeRainfall 'as high as 50 inches' still to come
A fresh statement from the National Hurricane Center warns of “ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” spreading from Texas to Louisiana – with effects also felt in Mississippi and Alabama:A fresh statement from the National Hurricane Center warns of “ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding” spreading from Texas to Louisiana – with effects also felt in Mississippi and Alabama:
Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are expected across the upper Texas coast, with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches.Ongoing catastrophic and life-threatening flooding will continue across southeastern Texas. Additional rainfall accumulations of 10 to 20 inches are expected across the upper Texas coast, with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches.
Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways.Please heed the advice of local officials. Do not attempt to travel if you are in a safe place, and do not drive into flooded roadways.
The flood threat has spread farther east into Louisiana. Additional rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches are expected in southwestern Louisiana, with rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches expected in south-central Louisiana.The flood threat has spread farther east into Louisiana. Additional rainfall amounts of 10 to 20 inches are expected in southwestern Louisiana, with rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches expected in south-central Louisiana.
Rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches are expected in south-central Louisiana and coastal Mississippi and Alabama.Rainfall amounts of 5 to 15 inches are expected in south-central Louisiana and coastal Mississippi and Alabama.
While tropical storm warnings have been extended eastward along the coast of Louisiana and a storm surge watch has been issued, the impacts of winds and storm surge are expected to be secondary compared to that of the rains.While tropical storm warnings have been extended eastward along the coast of Louisiana and a storm surge watch has been issued, the impacts of winds and storm surge are expected to be secondary compared to that of the rains.
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Tuesday looks unlikely to bring respite from the battering effects of Tropical Storm Harvey, but the National Weather Service says it should be moving out of the area by Wednesday:Tuesday looks unlikely to bring respite from the battering effects of Tropical Storm Harvey, but the National Weather Service says it should be moving out of the area by Wednesday:
Latest NHC update shows #Harvey centered in the Gulf, and we will finally see some relief as it moves out of the area on Wednesday #txwx pic.twitter.com/d0uV6IaAWlLatest NHC update shows #Harvey centered in the Gulf, and we will finally see some relief as it moves out of the area on Wednesday #txwx pic.twitter.com/d0uV6IaAWl
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.12am BSTat 4.12am BST
4.03am BST4.03am BST
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The White House has confirmed some details of the president’s visit on Tuesday.The White House has confirmed some details of the president’s visit on Tuesday.
Donald Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, will head to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they will receive a briefing on relief efforts from rescuers, before leaving for Austin. There, they will tour the emergency operations centre.Donald Trump, along with first lady Melania Trump, will head to Corpus Christi, Texas, where they will receive a briefing on relief efforts from rescuers, before leaving for Austin. There, they will tour the emergency operations centre.
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Fort Bend county warningFort Bend county warning
Tom DartTom Dart
One of the regions that appears most under threat in the coming hours is Fort Bend county, a fast-growing, ethnically diverse area of 750,000 people southwest of Houston that’s about two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island.One of the regions that appears most under threat in the coming hours is Fort Bend county, a fast-growing, ethnically diverse area of 750,000 people southwest of Houston that’s about two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island.
Many people live near lakes or streams and the Brazos river is of particular concern; it might not crest until late Tuesday or Wednesday. We don’t need to imagine what happens when it floods – it did so last year, with dramatic consequences. And that was a storm far less dangerous than Harvey.Many people live near lakes or streams and the Brazos river is of particular concern; it might not crest until late Tuesday or Wednesday. We don’t need to imagine what happens when it floods – it did so last year, with dramatic consequences. And that was a storm far less dangerous than Harvey.
Earlier today I visited a shelter set up in a giant furniture store, which, of course, had plenty of available mattresses. It had reached capacity, with a few dozen people sat outside.Earlier today I visited a shelter set up in a giant furniture store, which, of course, had plenty of available mattresses. It had reached capacity, with a few dozen people sat outside.
Some had not yet endured flooding in their streets or homes but heeded advice that they were in peril and got out rather than take the risk of being stuck for days in cut-off neighbourhoods, or having to make an emergency call for a rescue if water did inundate their properties.Some had not yet endured flooding in their streets or homes but heeded advice that they were in peril and got out rather than take the risk of being stuck for days in cut-off neighbourhoods, or having to make an emergency call for a rescue if water did inundate their properties.
A suburban Houston furniture store set up a shelter in its atrium pic.twitter.com/15jsEy3yHsA suburban Houston furniture store set up a shelter in its atrium pic.twitter.com/15jsEy3yHs
With hotel rooms scarce and tricky or treacherous conditions on major routes making it hard to drive far, a shelter – even for days – seemed like the best bet.With hotel rooms scarce and tricky or treacherous conditions on major routes making it hard to drive far, a shelter – even for days – seemed like the best bet.
Fort Bend county judge Robert Hebert gave a press conference on Monday night at which he brought up the spectre of Hurricane Katrina by warning that the county’s levee systems may not be able to withstand Harvey’s sustained rains. The defences, he said, were designed to withstand a so-called 100-year flood: an event with a 1% probability of happening in any one year.Fort Bend county judge Robert Hebert gave a press conference on Monday night at which he brought up the spectre of Hurricane Katrina by warning that the county’s levee systems may not be able to withstand Harvey’s sustained rains. The defences, he said, were designed to withstand a so-called 100-year flood: an event with a 1% probability of happening in any one year.
The anticipated rise of the Brazos, Hebert said, “would constitute an 800-year flood … [Harvey] will far exceed the design criteria of these levee districts”.The anticipated rise of the Brazos, Hebert said, “would constitute an 800-year flood … [Harvey] will far exceed the design criteria of these levee districts”.
He added that there are now 14 mandatory evacuation orders; combined with voluntary orders, that amounts to several hundred communities. More than 100 roads are now closed, including the Grand Parkway, a key north-south highway.He added that there are now 14 mandatory evacuation orders; combined with voluntary orders, that amounts to several hundred communities. More than 100 roads are now closed, including the Grand Parkway, a key north-south highway.
There was a bright spot: so far, Hebert said, Harvey had not caused any fatalities in the county.There was a bright spot: so far, Hebert said, Harvey had not caused any fatalities in the county.
3.35am BST3.35am BST
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Lauren GambinoLauren Gambino
Few events clarify a president’s effectiveness like a major natural disaster – and for Trump, the stakes are high following a tumultuous summer marked by a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, an escalating war of words with North Korea and multiple staff upheavals.Few events clarify a president’s effectiveness like a major natural disaster – and for Trump, the stakes are high following a tumultuous summer marked by a deadly white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, an escalating war of words with North Korea and multiple staff upheavals.
Trump will travel on Tuesday morning with Melania Trump, the first lady, to Corpus Christi, a city along the Gulf of Mexico near to where Harvey swept ashore as a category 4 storm late Friday night, thrashing the central coast with torrential rain and 130mph winds.Trump will travel on Tuesday morning with Melania Trump, the first lady, to Corpus Christi, a city along the Gulf of Mexico near to where Harvey swept ashore as a category 4 storm late Friday night, thrashing the central coast with torrential rain and 130mph winds.
Trump told reporters he was looking forward to touring parts of the storm-ravaged state, although he said travel will depend on the conditions. He also suggested that he may make a second trip to the region to visit Texas and Louisiana, which is now in the storm’s path.Trump told reporters he was looking forward to touring parts of the storm-ravaged state, although he said travel will depend on the conditions. He also suggested that he may make a second trip to the region to visit Texas and Louisiana, which is now in the storm’s path.
In a pair of interviews on Monday, Mike Pence said Trump is “fully engaged” and “anxious” to visit Texas.In a pair of interviews on Monday, Mike Pence said Trump is “fully engaged” and “anxious” to visit Texas.
The White House released photographs from the weekend of Trump leading a teleconference monitoring the storm. In the photos, Trump is sporting a USA cap available for purchase on his campaign website for $40.The White House released photographs from the weekend of Trump leading a teleconference monitoring the storm. In the photos, Trump is sporting a USA cap available for purchase on his campaign website for $40.
On Friday night, Trump signed a federal disaster declaration to support the relief effort in Texas, and on Monday he also approved a federal disaster declaration in Louisiana to aid with relief efforts there.On Friday night, Trump signed a federal disaster declaration to support the relief effort in Texas, and on Monday he also approved a federal disaster declaration in Louisiana to aid with relief efforts there.
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The Houston police officers’ union says that hundreds of officers currently on rescue duty have yet to return to their own flooded homes – and some will have nothing to return to:The Houston police officers’ union says that hundreds of officers currently on rescue duty have yet to return to their own flooded homes – and some will have nothing to return to:
Hundreds of officers lost everything in this flood and have yet to go home. If you can help please make a donation https://t.co/nMsKIkGp2CHundreds of officers lost everything in this flood and have yet to go home. If you can help please make a donation https://t.co/nMsKIkGp2C
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Amid the reports from Harvey’s path are, inevitably, some that are untrue.Amid the reports from Harvey’s path are, inevitably, some that are untrue.
For one, Barack Obama is not serving meals to displaced people in Houston (thank you, Snopes).For one, Barack Obama is not serving meals to displaced people in Houston (thank you, Snopes).
And that photo of a shark apparently swimming in the flooded streets of Houston? No. (Here’s that one debunked by Politifact.)And that photo of a shark apparently swimming in the flooded streets of Houston? No. (Here’s that one debunked by Politifact.)
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What could be the longer-term effects on health of Harvey? In the immediate aftermath, concern will focus on public health dangers associated with muddy floodwaters; later will come the lasting effects of trauma, Associated Press reports:What could be the longer-term effects on health of Harvey? In the immediate aftermath, concern will focus on public health dangers associated with muddy floodwaters; later will come the lasting effects of trauma, Associated Press reports:
It’s not known yet what kinds or how much sewage, chemicals and waterborne germs are mixed in the water. For now, health officials are more concerned about drownings, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators and hygiene at shelters. In the months and years to come, their worries will turn to the effects of trauma from Hurricane Harvey on mental health.It’s not known yet what kinds or how much sewage, chemicals and waterborne germs are mixed in the water. For now, health officials are more concerned about drownings, carbon monoxide poisoning from generators and hygiene at shelters. In the months and years to come, their worries will turn to the effects of trauma from Hurricane Harvey on mental health.
At a shelter set up inside George R. Brown Convention Center, Dr David Persse, Houston director of emergency medical services, is building a clinic of doctors and nurses:At a shelter set up inside George R. Brown Convention Center, Dr David Persse, Houston director of emergency medical services, is building a clinic of doctors and nurses:
This is rapidly evolving. I always worry in these large congregations of people about viral outbreaks that cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. And we are just getting started.This is rapidly evolving. I always worry in these large congregations of people about viral outbreaks that cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. And we are just getting started.
One of our goals is to appropriately treat people here with minor things so we don’t send everybody off to the hospital.One of our goals is to appropriately treat people here with minor things so we don’t send everybody off to the hospital.
Many of the around 3,000 people who fled from Harvey’s flooding waited hours in water mixed with sewage, oil and gasoline. Some weren’t able to grab their medications or medical devices.Many of the around 3,000 people who fled from Harvey’s flooding waited hours in water mixed with sewage, oil and gasoline. Some weren’t able to grab their medications or medical devices.
The US Environmental Protection Agency will begin sampling the floodwaters as soon as possible, said spokeswoman Liz Bowman. EPA teams will also be visiting water and sewage plants to offer help, she said.The US Environmental Protection Agency will begin sampling the floodwaters as soon as possible, said spokeswoman Liz Bowman. EPA teams will also be visiting water and sewage plants to offer help, she said.
The most common flood-related deaths occur when people try to drive through flooded areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.The most common flood-related deaths occur when people try to drive through flooded areas, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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A further mandatory eviction notice has been issued, this time for residents in the Water District, Northwood Pines subdivision. It’s currently 8.50pm local time – the warning states that roads could become unpassable by 11pm.A further mandatory eviction notice has been issued, this time for residents in the Water District, Northwood Pines subdivision. It’s currently 8.50pm local time – the warning states that roads could become unpassable by 11pm.
MANDATORY EVACUATION for the Northwood Pines Subdivision (The Water District) -"YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE WATER DISTRICT AFTER 11 PM" pic.twitter.com/2dViemAn0DMANDATORY EVACUATION for the Northwood Pines Subdivision (The Water District) -"YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO LEAVE THE WATER DISTRICT AFTER 11 PM" pic.twitter.com/2dViemAn0D
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Houston’s major evacuation shelter is full – with many people still arriving.Houston’s major evacuation shelter is full – with many people still arriving.
Lloyd Ziel, a Red Cross spokesman, said around 5,500 evacuees have reached the George R. Brown Convention Center, which has a capacity of 5,000.Lloyd Ziel, a Red Cross spokesman, said around 5,500 evacuees have reached the George R. Brown Convention Center, which has a capacity of 5,000.
With only 5,000 cots available, some people will have to sleep on the floor or on chairs.With only 5,000 cots available, some people will have to sleep on the floor or on chairs.
Sylvester Turner, Houston’s mayor, says plans are underway to set up a further major shelter, but the location for that hasn’t yet been revealed.Sylvester Turner, Houston’s mayor, says plans are underway to set up a further major shelter, but the location for that hasn’t yet been revealed.
Other smaller shelters are named on this list.Other smaller shelters are named on this list.