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Houston mayor imposes curfew after tropical storm Harvey – as it happened Houston mayor imposes curfew after tropical storm Harvey – as it happened
(2 months later)
7.51am BST
07:51
What we know so far
Claire Phipps
The stormThe storm
Tropical storm Harvey is set to make landfall again on Wednesday, with Louisiana this time forecast to bear the brunt of its massive downpours. Flash flood warnings are in place across the entire state, as its neighbour Texas still reels from the devastating rains of the last five days.Tropical storm Harvey is set to make landfall again on Wednesday, with Louisiana this time forecast to bear the brunt of its massive downpours. Flash flood warnings are in place across the entire state, as its neighbour Texas still reels from the devastating rains of the last five days.
Latest forecasts suggest Houston will see less than an inch of rain on Wednesday.Latest forecasts suggest Houston will see less than an inch of rain on Wednesday.
Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding. An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as had been forecast.Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding. An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as had been forecast.
Harvey now holds the US record for most rainfall from a tropical system.Harvey now holds the US record for most rainfall from a tropical system.
The casualtiesThe casualties
At least 18 people are confirmed to have died in the storm as it ravaged Texas, including police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks; and Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64.At least 18 people are confirmed to have died in the storm as it ravaged Texas, including police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks; and Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64.
On Tuesday night, the Harris county institute of forensic sciences said it had identified three more victims: Agnes Stanley, 89, who was found in floodwater in a home; Travis Lynn Callihan, 45, who died after leaving his vehicle in high waters; and an unnamed 76-year-old woman, who died in waters around her vehicle.On Tuesday night, the Harris county institute of forensic sciences said it had identified three more victims: Agnes Stanley, 89, who was found in floodwater in a home; Travis Lynn Callihan, 45, who died after leaving his vehicle in high waters; and an unnamed 76-year-old woman, who died in waters around her vehicle.
Beaumont police said they had recovered the body of a woman from floodwaters. Her young daughter, who was clinging to her mother, is being treated in hospital.Beaumont police said they had recovered the body of a woman from floodwaters. Her young daughter, who was clinging to her mother, is being treated in hospital.
Six members of the Saldivar family are believed to have died when their vehicle became trapped in flooding, although their bodies have not yet been found.Six members of the Saldivar family are believed to have died when their vehicle became trapped in flooding, although their bodies have not yet been found.
The relief effortsThe relief efforts
New shelters have been opened after the George R Brown convention center, set up with a capacity of 5,000, took in 10,000 evacuees. New arrivals are now being directed to a large hub at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 people, with smaller numbers sent to the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.New shelters have been opened after the George R Brown convention center, set up with a capacity of 5,000, took in 10,000 evacuees. New arrivals are now being directed to a large hub at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 people, with smaller numbers sent to the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.
Following stinging criticism, televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church – a Houston megachurch with capacity for 16,000 people – has reversed its decision not to house people seeking shelter.Following stinging criticism, televangelist Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church – a Houston megachurch with capacity for 16,000 people – has reversed its decision not to house people seeking shelter.
More than 13,000 people have now been rescued by local and federal agencies in the Houston area and across southeastern Texas. It is not known how many people remain in their homes.More than 13,000 people have now been rescued by local and federal agencies in the Houston area and across southeastern Texas. It is not known how many people remain in their homes.
Houston mayor Sylvester Turner has imposed a citywide curfew from midnight to 5am to curb “potential criminal acts” against abandoned properties.Houston mayor Sylvester Turner has imposed a citywide curfew from midnight to 5am to curb “potential criminal acts” against abandoned properties.
The responseThe response
Donald Trump will return to Texas on Saturday, the White House confirmed, following a trip with first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday at which the president met local residents with the greeting: “What a crowd, what a turnout.”Donald Trump will return to Texas on Saturday, the White House confirmed, following a trip with first lady Melania Trump on Tuesday at which the president met local residents with the greeting: “What a crowd, what a turnout.”
After criticism from some that Trump had failed to express empathy for those affected by the storm, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had been moved by images from the disaster zone:After criticism from some that Trump had failed to express empathy for those affected by the storm, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the president had been moved by images from the disaster zone:
The number one thing after talking to him just a little bit ago that he wanted to reinforce from today was that this is all about people, making sure that we are taking care of the people of Texas – that is his number one priority.The number one thing after talking to him just a little bit ago that he wanted to reinforce from today was that this is all about people, making sure that we are taking care of the people of Texas – that is his number one priority.
One-fifth of US oil refineries have been shut down as a result of Harvey. On Tuesday night, Motiva Enterprises’ plant in Port Arthur, Texas, the largest in the US, was closing due to flooding. The plant produces 603,000 barrels a day.One-fifth of US oil refineries have been shut down as a result of Harvey. On Tuesday night, Motiva Enterprises’ plant in Port Arthur, Texas, the largest in the US, was closing due to flooding. The plant produces 603,000 barrels a day.
Gasoline prices have spiked to their highest point since July 2015, prompting fears of a fuel shortage.Gasoline prices have spiked to their highest point since July 2015, prompting fears of a fuel shortage.
Read moreRead more
‘We ain’t doing no damn good’: volunteer rescuers struggle in Houston‘We ain’t doing no damn good’: volunteer rescuers struggle in Houston
Trump jets in to Texas to view ‘epic’ flood damage as death toll rises to 18.Trump jets in to Texas to view ‘epic’ flood damage as death toll rises to 18.
Want to help those affected by tropical storm Harvey? Here’s how.Want to help those affected by tropical storm Harvey? Here’s how.
Locals ready for worst as Harvey’s rising water strains Houston dams.Locals ready for worst as Harvey’s rising water strains Houston dams.
Climate change and Harvey: your questions answered.Climate change and Harvey: your questions answered.
We are going to close the blog for now. Thanks for reading.We are going to close the blog for now. Thanks for reading.
Updated
at 9.49am BST
7.32am BST
07:32
Tom Dart
Kevin Vitto only moved to Houston in February. What he did not realise until Harvey struck is that his family’s apartment in a smart new complex backs onto a reservoir with a dam that feeds a bayou.Kevin Vitto only moved to Houston in February. What he did not realise until Harvey struck is that his family’s apartment in a smart new complex backs onto a reservoir with a dam that feeds a bayou.
Levels rose to record highs on Tuesday. As officials struggled to manage both deliberate and uncontrolled water releases from the Barker and Addicks dams, more neighbourhoods flooded in an already badly-hit area about 20 miles west of downtown.Levels rose to record highs on Tuesday. As officials struggled to manage both deliberate and uncontrolled water releases from the Barker and Addicks dams, more neighbourhoods flooded in an already badly-hit area about 20 miles west of downtown.
Some parts face being submerged for weeks or even months, and water could spill over from Addicks for another three weeks, officials said at a press conference.Some parts face being submerged for weeks or even months, and water could spill over from Addicks for another three weeks, officials said at a press conference.
A more hopeful update followed from officials who said that improving conditions mean the reservoirs are expected to crest about one to three feet lower than expected. Shortly before sunset, residents in the prosperous Memorial district went for walks, children played in the streets and neighbours holding beer or wine gathered to gawp at flooded streets while drivers gingerly navigated roads with broken traffic lights.A more hopeful update followed from officials who said that improving conditions mean the reservoirs are expected to crest about one to three feet lower than expected. Shortly before sunset, residents in the prosperous Memorial district went for walks, children played in the streets and neighbours holding beer or wine gathered to gawp at flooded streets while drivers gingerly navigated roads with broken traffic lights.
Fears of what could happen to a swath of the city if the dams fail still stalked some residents. The 1940s-era structures are run by the federal government and were undergoing repair before Harvey; military helicopters buzzed overhead for much of the day, while in the evening a convoy of vehicles was parked along Interstate 10 as rescues continued in tandem with efforts by boat-owning civilian volunteers.Fears of what could happen to a swath of the city if the dams fail still stalked some residents. The 1940s-era structures are run by the federal government and were undergoing repair before Harvey; military helicopters buzzed overhead for much of the day, while in the evening a convoy of vehicles was parked along Interstate 10 as rescues continued in tandem with efforts by boat-owning civilian volunteers.
Vitto’s building has a swimming pool for residents in the middle and now it has a boating lake out front where Highway 6, a major north-south route, is submerged.Vitto’s building has a swimming pool for residents in the middle and now it has a boating lake out front where Highway 6, a major north-south route, is submerged.
7.16am BST
07:16
Tropical storm Harvey is due to make landfall again on Wednesday – this time it is Louisiana, rather than Texas, that is set to bear the brunt.Tropical storm Harvey is due to make landfall again on Wednesday – this time it is Louisiana, rather than Texas, that is set to bear the brunt.
The state has already had some localised flooding thanks to Harvey, but meteorologists predict further flooding as the storm dumps rain across the region.The state has already had some localised flooding thanks to Harvey, but meteorologists predict further flooding as the storm dumps rain across the region.
A number of tornadoes are also forecast.A number of tornadoes are also forecast.
Harvey is expected to strike the Texas-Louisiana border again on Wednesday, and continue to batter Louisiana through the later part of the week.Harvey is expected to strike the Texas-Louisiana border again on Wednesday, and continue to batter Louisiana through the later part of the week.
Beaumont, Texas, close to the state line, has been inundated on Tuesday night, with at least one death reported in the flooding.Beaumont, Texas, close to the state line, has been inundated on Tuesday night, with at least one death reported in the flooding.
Residents of Louisiana’s Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and New Orleans have been warned to expect extreme weather in the coming days. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for the entire state.Residents of Louisiana’s Baton Rouge, Lake Charles and New Orleans have been warned to expect extreme weather in the coming days. The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for the entire state.
6.47am BST
06:47
Singapore’s defence ministry has said its military helicopters will assist in rescue efforts from Wednesday.Singapore’s defence ministry has said its military helicopters will assist in rescue efforts from Wednesday.
Its four CH-47 Chinooks are based in Texas, at Grand Prairie, and Singaporean air force personnel are trained there.Its four CH-47 Chinooks are based in Texas, at Grand Prairie, and Singaporean air force personnel are trained there.
In partnership with the Texas National Guard, Singapore’s helicopters will transport rescue teams, evacuees and emergency supplies.In partnership with the Texas National Guard, Singapore’s helicopters will transport rescue teams, evacuees and emergency supplies.
Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, made the offer in a call with Donald Trump late on Tuesday, Associated Press reported.Singapore’s prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, made the offer in a call with Donald Trump late on Tuesday, Associated Press reported.
6.25am BST
06:25
Anna Livsey
There is a new threat to the millions of people in Texas affected by ex-hurricane Harvey: large “rafts” of fire ants that have been spotted floating in floodwaters.There is a new threat to the millions of people in Texas affected by ex-hurricane Harvey: large “rafts” of fire ants that have been spotted floating in floodwaters.
Displaced by record flooding, the insects have responded by creating rafts built on top of dead ants to stay on the top of water and keep dry.Displaced by record flooding, the insects have responded by creating rafts built on top of dead ants to stay on the top of water and keep dry.
Pro tip: Don't touch the floating fire ant colonies. They will ruin your day. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/uwJd0rA7qBPro tip: Don't touch the floating fire ant colonies. They will ruin your day. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/uwJd0rA7qB
Hailing from the floodplains of the Paraguay river in South America, the ants are accustomed to flood-prone environments.Hailing from the floodplains of the Paraguay river in South America, the ants are accustomed to flood-prone environments.
Despite the raft-making behaviour being well known to entomologists (it was observed following Hurricane Katrina), images of the ants sailing on floodwaters have caused panic online.Despite the raft-making behaviour being well known to entomologists (it was observed following Hurricane Katrina), images of the ants sailing on floodwaters have caused panic online.
The ants are extremely aggressive, attacking en masse and inflicting an itching and burning sting that can last an hour. Secondary infections from the stings can be serious, and in rare cases allergic reactions have killed people – they are thought to have caused dozens of deaths in the United States.The ants are extremely aggressive, attacking en masse and inflicting an itching and burning sting that can last an hour. Secondary infections from the stings can be serious, and in rare cases allergic reactions have killed people – they are thought to have caused dozens of deaths in the United States.
While some have suggested “killing them with fire”, experts say that a bit of detergent is the best defence against the floating menaces.While some have suggested “killing them with fire”, experts say that a bit of detergent is the best defence against the floating menaces.
6.08am BST
06:08
With the George R Brown convention center already sheltering twice its original capacity, Houston officials have begun directing evacuees to the NRG Center, which has room for 10,000 people.With the George R Brown convention center already sheltering twice its original capacity, Houston officials have begun directing evacuees to the NRG Center, which has room for 10,000 people.
It’s now past midnight local time, but Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said residents seeking shelter would be exempt from the nighttime curfew that runs until 5am.It’s now past midnight local time, but Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said residents seeking shelter would be exempt from the nighttime curfew that runs until 5am.
People are beggining to enter NRG Center holding trash bags with their belongings inside. pic.twitter.com/E2XP4YxgrdPeople are beggining to enter NRG Center holding trash bags with their belongings inside. pic.twitter.com/E2XP4Yxgrd
5.33am BST
05:33
One-fifth of US oil refineries – including the country’s largest crude oil refinery – have been shut down as a result of Harvey.One-fifth of US oil refineries – including the country’s largest crude oil refinery – have been shut down as a result of Harvey.
On Tuesday night, Motiva Enterprises’ plant in Port Arthur, Texas, the largest in the US, was closing due to flooding, Reuters reported. The plant produces 603,000 barrels a day.On Tuesday night, Motiva Enterprises’ plant in Port Arthur, Texas, the largest in the US, was closing due to flooding, Reuters reported. The plant produces 603,000 barrels a day.
Reuters also reported that Total was down to 53% of capacity at its Port Arthur refinery.Reuters also reported that Total was down to 53% of capacity at its Port Arthur refinery.
Texas and Louisiana, the states struck by Harvey, are the heart of the US petroleum industry.Texas and Louisiana, the states struck by Harvey, are the heart of the US petroleum industry.
Reuters estimates that at least 3.6 million barrels per day of refining capacity are offline in Texas and Louisiana, or nearly 20% of total US capacity. Restarting plants can take at least a week.Reuters estimates that at least 3.6 million barrels per day of refining capacity are offline in Texas and Louisiana, or nearly 20% of total US capacity. Restarting plants can take at least a week.
In the meantime, gasoline prices have spiked to their highest point since July 2015, prompting fears of a fuel shortage.In the meantime, gasoline prices have spiked to their highest point since July 2015, prompting fears of a fuel shortage.
5.14am BST
05:14
Death toll rises to 18
The official death toll from Harvey has risen to 18 – although with many people still unaccounted for, it could be a while before authorities have a reliable figure.The official death toll from Harvey has risen to 18 – although with many people still unaccounted for, it could be a while before authorities have a reliable figure.
On Tuesday night, the Harris county institute of forensic sciences said it had identified three more victims: Agnes Stanley, 89, who was found in floodwater in a home; Travis Lynn Callihan, 45, who died after leaving his vehicle in high waters; and an unnamed 76-year-old woman, who died in waters around her vehicle.On Tuesday night, the Harris county institute of forensic sciences said it had identified three more victims: Agnes Stanley, 89, who was found in floodwater in a home; Travis Lynn Callihan, 45, who died after leaving his vehicle in high waters; and an unnamed 76-year-old woman, who died in waters around her vehicle.
Others who are confirmed to have died include police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks; and Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64.Others who are confirmed to have died include police sergeant Steve Perez; Ruben Jordan, a retired high school coach; 83-year-old Ola Mae Crooks; and Alexander Kwoksum Sung, who was 64.
Six members of the same family are believed to have died when their vehicle became trapped in flooding, although their bodies have not yet been found.Six members of the same family are believed to have died when their vehicle became trapped in flooding, although their bodies have not yet been found.
On Tuesday evening, Beaumont police said they had recovered the body of a woman from floodwaters. Her young daughter, who was clinging to her mother, is being treated in hospital.On Tuesday evening, Beaumont police said they had recovered the body of a woman from floodwaters. Her young daughter, who was clinging to her mother, is being treated in hospital.
5.05am BST
05:05
Texas woman Arlene Kelsch posted video of a startling sight in the wake of Hurricane Harvey – two alligators swimming in her backyard.Texas woman Arlene Kelsch posted video of a startling sight in the wake of Hurricane Harvey – two alligators swimming in her backyard.
The reptiles managed to get into the backyard after flooding inundated the neighbourhood, submerging the garden fence.The reptiles managed to get into the backyard after flooding inundated the neighbourhood, submerging the garden fence.
4.44am BST
04:44
Megachurch opens its doors to evacuees
Following stinging criticism, a Houston megachurch – with capacity for 16,000 people – has reversed its decision not to house people seeking shelter from Harvey.Following stinging criticism, a Houston megachurch – with capacity for 16,000 people – has reversed its decision not to house people seeking shelter from Harvey.
Televangelist Joel Osteen opened Lakewood Church on Tuesday, saying:Televangelist Joel Osteen opened Lakewood Church on Tuesday, saying:
Houstonians, Texans, are generous people, gracious people. We like to help others in need. That’s what you’re seeing here today people stepping up and you know and helping these people that have been displaced.Houstonians, Texans, are generous people, gracious people. We like to help others in need. That’s what you’re seeing here today people stepping up and you know and helping these people that have been displaced.
It came after days of criticism after the church said it would not serve as a shelter, claiming to be flood-damaged. Some residents shared pictures appearing to show that the church was in fact accessible.It came after days of criticism after the church said it would not serve as a shelter, claiming to be flood-damaged. Some residents shared pictures appearing to show that the church was in fact accessible.
Many other places of worship, including churches and mosques, have opened their doors to people displaced by flooding.Many other places of worship, including churches and mosques, have opened their doors to people displaced by flooding.
Don Iloff, a church spokesman and Osteen’s brother-in-law, told the Associated Press that floodwaters had left the building mostly inaccessible before receding on Monday afternoon, but denied the church had been closed. Three people spent the night at the church on Sunday before being taken to a city shelter, Iloff said, adding:Don Iloff, a church spokesman and Osteen’s brother-in-law, told the Associated Press that floodwaters had left the building mostly inaccessible before receding on Monday afternoon, but denied the church had been closed. Three people spent the night at the church on Sunday before being taken to a city shelter, Iloff said, adding:
You can’t change your life because of Twitter haters. You need to do what you need to do.You can’t change your life because of Twitter haters. You need to do what you need to do.
4.14am BST
04:14
Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding.Earlier fears that two reservoirs could overspill, threatening surrounding communities with more flooding, seem to be receding.
An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as was forecast.An update on Tuesday evening from the US Army Corps of Engineers said water levels in the Addicks and Baker reservoirs are now not expected to rise as high as was forecast.
According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, although levels in the Addicks reservoir rose by six inches (15cm) between noon and 6pm on Tuesday, this was not as much as expected, and engineers now believe its maximum will reach 109.1 feet (33m) – over 12 inches less than predicted.According to a report in the Houston Chronicle, although levels in the Addicks reservoir rose by six inches (15cm) between noon and 6pm on Tuesday, this was not as much as expected, and engineers now believe its maximum will reach 109.1 feet (33m) – over 12 inches less than predicted.
Similarly, the expected maximum level for the Baker reservoir has been revised downwards to 101.7 feet, around three feet lower.Similarly, the expected maximum level for the Baker reservoir has been revised downwards to 101.7 feet, around three feet lower.
Uncontrolled releases of water from Baker have now stopped, and overspill from Addicks is said to be minimal. Engineers are continuing to make controlled releases into the Buffalo bayou.Uncontrolled releases of water from Baker have now stopped, and overspill from Addicks is said to be minimal. Engineers are continuing to make controlled releases into the Buffalo bayou.
4.02am BST
04:02
This animation from the National Weather Service shows the path of Harvey over five days – and the incredible amount of rainfall it unleashed:This animation from the National Weather Service shows the path of Harvey over five days – and the incredible amount of rainfall it unleashed:
Radar animation of #Harvey now extends a little more than 5 days long. Amazing and scary to watch this engine churn out all that rain. pic.twitter.com/h0LyBQzQ1CRadar animation of #Harvey now extends a little more than 5 days long. Amazing and scary to watch this engine churn out all that rain. pic.twitter.com/h0LyBQzQ1C
3.38am BST
03:38
Another person has been confirmed to have died in the flooding.Another person has been confirmed to have died in the flooding.
Beaumont police said a woman spotted floating in the water with her young daughter has died. The girl survived, but has hypothermia and is being treated in hospital.Beaumont police said a woman spotted floating in the water with her young daughter has died. The girl survived, but has hypothermia and is being treated in hospital.
Officers said the pair were swept into a drainage canal while trying to escape from their vehicle, which was trapped in high water, on Tuesday afternoon.Officers said the pair were swept into a drainage canal while trying to escape from their vehicle, which was trapped in high water, on Tuesday afternoon.
Two Beaumont police officers and two fire-rescue divers in a rubber boat later pulled them from the water, but they were unable to revive the woman, who has not been named.Two Beaumont police officers and two fire-rescue divers in a rubber boat later pulled them from the water, but they were unable to revive the woman, who has not been named.
3.31am BST
03:31
With 10,000 evacuees sheltering at the George R Brown convention center – originally set up with a capacity of 5,000 people – new hubs are opening to take in those forced to leave their homes.With 10,000 evacuees sheltering at the George R Brown convention center – originally set up with a capacity of 5,000 people – new hubs are opening to take in those forced to leave their homes.
Residents are still asked to check in at the GRB, but some will now be forwarded to shelter at the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.Residents are still asked to check in at the GRB, but some will now be forwarded to shelter at the Toyota Center, usually home to the NBA’s Houston Rockets.
Tom McCasland, Houston’s housing and community development director, told the Associated Press that the Toyota Center would serve only as an overflow shelter for families with children with no immediate medical needs.Tom McCasland, Houston’s housing and community development director, told the Associated Press that the Toyota Center would serve only as an overflow shelter for families with children with no immediate medical needs.
Another large shelter is opening at 10pm local time – around half an hour from now – at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 evacuees.Another large shelter is opening at 10pm local time – around half an hour from now – at the NRG center, which can hold an additional 10,000 evacuees.
Updated
at 3.33am BST
3.14am BST
03:14
Tom Dart
Although it is one of the world’s widest motorways – eight lanes in each direction in places, with an extra four lanes on each side of a parallel frontage road – the I-10 Katy Freeway resembles a giant parking lot during rush hours.Although it is one of the world’s widest motorways – eight lanes in each direction in places, with an extra four lanes on each side of a parallel frontage road – the I-10 Katy Freeway resembles a giant parking lot during rush hours.
As the sun set on Tuesday, it really was a parking lot: military vehicles, civilian pick-up trucks towing boats and TV news vans stopped near the severely flooded exit for Eldridge Parkway at the heart of the Energy Corridor district, 20 miles west of downtown Houston, where oil majors ConocoPhillips, Shell and BP America have big corporate offices.As the sun set on Tuesday, it really was a parking lot: military vehicles, civilian pick-up trucks towing boats and TV news vans stopped near the severely flooded exit for Eldridge Parkway at the heart of the Energy Corridor district, 20 miles west of downtown Houston, where oil majors ConocoPhillips, Shell and BP America have big corporate offices.
The Corridor’s website touts the location’s proximity to Buffalo Bayou and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs for their recreational potential.The Corridor’s website touts the location’s proximity to Buffalo Bayou and the Addicks and Barker reservoirs for their recreational potential.
That very proximity to large bodies of water is why much of the area is currently submerged, as the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to try to manage the flow out of the reservoirs, making deliberate discharges as well as having to cope with uncontrolled spills.That very proximity to large bodies of water is why much of the area is currently submerged, as the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to try to manage the flow out of the reservoirs, making deliberate discharges as well as having to cope with uncontrolled spills.
While I-10 was useable and drivers endured the familiar experience of backed-up traffic, since police have blocked off most of the lanes, the frontage roads are waterways. Despite an improvement in the weather around here, things appear to be getting worse, not better.While I-10 was useable and drivers endured the familiar experience of backed-up traffic, since police have blocked off most of the lanes, the frontage roads are waterways. Despite an improvement in the weather around here, things appear to be getting worse, not better.
Hershel Coleman and Anton Mackey drove from Austin with their boats to help the rescue mission. Watching the disaster unfold on television, they felt an urge to contribute so travelled 150 miles to save people from flooded properties, with water up to four feet deep.Hershel Coleman and Anton Mackey drove from Austin with their boats to help the rescue mission. Watching the disaster unfold on television, they felt an urge to contribute so travelled 150 miles to save people from flooded properties, with water up to four feet deep.
Reality felt like something you’d see on screen, Coleman said: “It was something out of a horror movie.”Reality felt like something you’d see on screen, Coleman said: “It was something out of a horror movie.”
Not that gratitude was universal. “Lots of people didn’t want to come. They were stubborn,” Coleman said. But one man who had only moved into his home a month ago, initially reluctant to leave because of his child, who has autism, did offer them some bacon by way of thanks.Not that gratitude was universal. “Lots of people didn’t want to come. They were stubborn,” Coleman said. But one man who had only moved into his home a month ago, initially reluctant to leave because of his child, who has autism, did offer them some bacon by way of thanks.
What did they plan to do, now that night was falling? “We’re going to keep helping,” Coleman said.What did they plan to do, now that night was falling? “We’re going to keep helping,” Coleman said.
Hershel and Anton came from Austin to rescue Houstonians by boat pic.twitter.com/sRjKKehIilHershel and Anton came from Austin to rescue Houstonians by boat pic.twitter.com/sRjKKehIil
2.55am BST
02:55
This view over Buffalo bayou from Memorial Heights in Houston – before and after Harvey struck – shows how the flooding has transformed the landscape.This view over Buffalo bayou from Memorial Heights in Houston – before and after Harvey struck – shows how the flooding has transformed the landscape.
See more before and after images here:See more before and after images here: