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Tropical storm Harvey: number of confirmed deaths rises to 21 – live Tropical storm Harvey: number of confirmed deaths rises to 21 – live
(35 minutes later)
10.36pm BST
22:36
Tom Dart
It’s possible that as many as 100,000 Houston-area homes could be flood damaged due to Harvey. Asked if the scale of the damage could reach that level at a press conference, Jeff Lindner of the Harris County Flood Control District said:
Right now we don’t have any hardcore estimates of the number of homes that have been damaged, but that figure would not be surprising to me ... 100,000 is certainly not out of the question.”
Linder added that problems would continue in neighborhoods around the Barker and Addicks dams. He said that places that have not yet flooded are unlikely to, but water levels may rise again in some parts that were draining, and inundated areas may have to cope with enduring floods as water discharges from the reservoirs continue.
10.10pm BST
22:10
Tornado damage in Mississippi
Tropical storm Harvey has led to at least one tornado in Mississippi, with strong winds damaging homes and toppling trees, the AP reports.
VIDEO: Tornado leaving Petal, damage reported in downtown area around Central Ave. Video sent in from Jan Brown. #mswx pic.twitter.com/zBXfZjLx8F
The National Weather Service said the tornado touched down in the southern Mississippi town of Petal, near Hattiesburg, on Wednesday. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Multiple tornado warnings have been issued across the state.
UPDATE: Damage reported on Main Street in Petalhttps://t.co/qNFY4KJP3x
Here is a shot of the Tornado that touched down in Petal. This comes from Toriano Blanks. #mswx pic.twitter.com/W45ZplTFli
9.53pm BST9.53pm BST
21:5321:53
US waives clean-air rulesUS waives clean-air rules
Sam LevinSam Levin
Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage of Harvey, which continues to drop substantial amounts of rain in Texas and beyond.Sam Levin here, taking over our live coverage of Harvey, which continues to drop substantial amounts of rain in Texas and beyond.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now issued emergency waivers allowing more than a dozen states to ignore certain clean-air requirements for gasoline to ensure that there is an adequate fuel supply during the ongoing storms, according to the Associated Press.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has now issued emergency waivers allowing more than a dozen states to ignore certain clean-air requirements for gasoline to ensure that there is an adequate fuel supply during the ongoing storms, according to the Associated Press.
The waivers, effective immediately through at least 15 September, apply to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington DC.The waivers, effective immediately through at least 15 September, apply to Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Washington DC.
One-fifth of oil refineries in the US have been shut down as a result of Harvey.One-fifth of oil refineries in the US have been shut down as a result of Harvey.
9.25pm BST9.25pm BST
21:2521:25
Christie v CruzChristie v Cruz
The two once upon a time GOP presidential hopefuls have been sparring over federal funding for hurricane relief after Texas Senator Cruz described the appropriations bill for Sandy relief as full of “pork” and said that two-thirds of funds were used for things other than relief.The two once upon a time GOP presidential hopefuls have been sparring over federal funding for hurricane relief after Texas Senator Cruz described the appropriations bill for Sandy relief as full of “pork” and said that two-thirds of funds were used for things other than relief.
“I have no sympathy for this – and I see Sen Cruz and it’s disgusting to me that he stands in a recovery center with victims standing behind him as a backdrop,” Christie told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on New Day. “He’s still repeating the same reprehensible lies about what happened in Sandy (and) called on Congress Wednesday morning to work fast on a bill to aid Texas after Hurricane Harvey.”“I have no sympathy for this – and I see Sen Cruz and it’s disgusting to me that he stands in a recovery center with victims standing behind him as a backdrop,” Christie told CNN’s Chris Cuomo on New Day. “He’s still repeating the same reprehensible lies about what happened in Sandy (and) called on Congress Wednesday morning to work fast on a bill to aid Texas after Hurricane Harvey.”
Cruz responded:Cruz responded:
“I’m sorry that there are politicians who are really desperate to get their names in the news and are saying whatever they need to do that... For folks who are focused on raising political shots and snipes about the Sandy bill, facts matter. And the fact is that the Sandy bill was over $50bn and 70% of it was not emergency funding. Only 30% of the funding was emergency funding.”“I’m sorry that there are politicians who are really desperate to get their names in the news and are saying whatever they need to do that... For folks who are focused on raising political shots and snipes about the Sandy bill, facts matter. And the fact is that the Sandy bill was over $50bn and 70% of it was not emergency funding. Only 30% of the funding was emergency funding.”
New Jersey’s governor, again: “Let me be very clear about this: Sen Cruz was playing politics in 2012, trying to make himself look like the biggest conservative in the world,” Christie said. “And what I said at the time, both to him and everybody else, was if you represent a coastal state, don’t do this because your day is going to come and you’re going to expect people to help you.”New Jersey’s governor, again: “Let me be very clear about this: Sen Cruz was playing politics in 2012, trying to make himself look like the biggest conservative in the world,” Christie said. “And what I said at the time, both to him and everybody else, was if you represent a coastal state, don’t do this because your day is going to come and you’re going to expect people to help you.”
A Washington Post fact check suggests that Christie’s understanding is much closer to the reality. “It is wildly incorrect to claim that the bill was ‘filled with unrelated pork.’ The bill was largely aimed at dealing with Sandy, along with relatively minor items to address other or future disasters,” the Post fact check concluded.A Washington Post fact check suggests that Christie’s understanding is much closer to the reality. “It is wildly incorrect to claim that the bill was ‘filled with unrelated pork.’ The bill was largely aimed at dealing with Sandy, along with relatively minor items to address other or future disasters,” the Post fact check concluded.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.33pm BSTat 9.33pm BST
9.13pm BST9.13pm BST
21:1321:13
Authorities in the Houston-area say they are investigating 17 more deaths to see whether they qualify as storm-related.Authorities in the Houston-area say they are investigating 17 more deaths to see whether they qualify as storm-related.
Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences spokeswoman Tricia Bentley says that the medical examiner is doing autopsies Wednesday and the agency will update its storm-related death toll in the evening.Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences spokeswoman Tricia Bentley says that the medical examiner is doing autopsies Wednesday and the agency will update its storm-related death toll in the evening.
She says authorities expect to find more bodies in homes and cars as the waters from Harvey begin to recede. The 17 bodies at the morgue do not include the bodies of six relatives found in a van in Houston on Wednesday.She says authorities expect to find more bodies in homes and cars as the waters from Harvey begin to recede. The 17 bodies at the morgue do not include the bodies of six relatives found in a van in Houston on Wednesday.
The overall death toll from Harvey is at least 21.The overall death toll from Harvey is at least 21.
8.29pm BST8.29pm BST
20:2920:29
Number of confirmed deaths rises to 21Number of confirmed deaths rises to 21
Harvey’s floodwaters started dropping across much of the Houston area and the sun peeked through thinning clouds Wednesday in the first glimmer of hope in days for the besieged city. But the crisis was far from over, and the storm began to give up some of its dead.Harvey’s floodwaters started dropping across much of the Houston area and the sun peeked through thinning clouds Wednesday in the first glimmer of hope in days for the besieged city. But the crisis was far from over, and the storm began to give up some of its dead.
The number of confirmed deaths rose to 21 after a woman’s body was discovered afloat in Beaumont. Authorities also recovered the bodies of six family members, including four children, from a van that had been swept off a Houston bridge into a murky bayou.The number of confirmed deaths rose to 21 after a woman’s body was discovered afloat in Beaumont. Authorities also recovered the bodies of six family members, including four children, from a van that had been swept off a Houston bridge into a murky bayou.
“Unfortunately, it seems that our worst thoughts are being realized,” Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez said of the discovery.“Unfortunately, it seems that our worst thoughts are being realized,” Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez said of the discovery.
From the Associated PressFrom the Associated Press
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.54pm BSTat 8.54pm BST
8.25pm BST8.25pm BST
20:2520:25
Port Arthur, Texas was among the hardest hit places over the past 24 hours, taking on at least 25 inches of rain overnight.Port Arthur, Texas was among the hardest hit places over the past 24 hours, taking on at least 25 inches of rain overnight.
Rescues underway in Port Arthur nursing home. More devastation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/YUwBMegp5SRescues underway in Port Arthur nursing home. More devastation ongoing. pic.twitter.com/YUwBMegp5S
A number of people took to social media to request rescue for themselves or for loved ones, while local officials begged for people with access to boats to show up and help out.A number of people took to social media to request rescue for themselves or for loved ones, while local officials begged for people with access to boats to show up and help out.
My aunt still has not been rescued. This is her roof window from the attic PLEASE PLEASE send help 820 Smith Rd Port Arthur, Texas 77640 pic.twitter.com/uTze7QpND6My aunt still has not been rescued. This is her roof window from the attic PLEASE PLEASE send help 820 Smith Rd Port Arthur, Texas 77640 pic.twitter.com/uTze7QpND6
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.56pm BSTat 8.56pm BST
7.58pm BST7.58pm BST
19:5819:58
Trump began his Missouri rally Wednesday afternoon with comments about Harvey’s impact in the gulf.Trump began his Missouri rally Wednesday afternoon with comments about Harvey’s impact in the gulf.
As we all know our Gulf Coast was hit over the weekend with a devastating hurricane of historic proportion. Torrential rain and terrible flooding continue to pose a grave danger to life and to property.As we all know our Gulf Coast was hit over the weekend with a devastating hurricane of historic proportion. Torrential rain and terrible flooding continue to pose a grave danger to life and to property.
Our first responders have been doing absolutely heroic work to shepherd people out of harm’s way, and their courage and devotion has saved countless lives. They represent truly the very best of America.Our first responders have been doing absolutely heroic work to shepherd people out of harm’s way, and their courage and devotion has saved countless lives. They represent truly the very best of America.
We must be vigilant. We must protect the lives of our people. I was on the ground in Texas yesterday to meet with Gov Abbott, who is doing, by the way, an incredible job, and local officials so that we could coordinate the very big and unprecedented federal response.We must be vigilant. We must protect the lives of our people. I was on the ground in Texas yesterday to meet with Gov Abbott, who is doing, by the way, an incredible job, and local officials so that we could coordinate the very big and unprecedented federal response.
In difficult times such as these we see the true character of the American people: Their strength, their love and their resolve. We see friend helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger. And together, we will endure and we will overcome.In difficult times such as these we see the true character of the American people: Their strength, their love and their resolve. We see friend helping friend, neighbor helping neighbor, and stranger helping stranger. And together, we will endure and we will overcome.
To those affected by this storm, we are praying for you and we are here with you every single step of the way...To those affected by this storm, we are praying for you and we are here with you every single step of the way...
To those Americans who have lost loved ones, all of America is grieving with you and our hearts our joined with yours forever...To those Americans who have lost loved ones, all of America is grieving with you and our hearts our joined with yours forever...
Recovery will be tough, but I have seen the resilience of the American spirit first hand all over this country...Recovery will be tough, but I have seen the resilience of the American spirit first hand all over this country...
We are here with you today, with are here with you tomorrow and we will be with you every single day after to restore, recover and rebuild.”We are here with you today, with are here with you tomorrow and we will be with you every single day after to restore, recover and rebuild.”
7.22pm BST7.22pm BST
19:2219:22
Utterly inspiring.Utterly inspiring.
These people formed a human chain to help save a man from a car that was being swept away by floodwaters https://t.co/S44wSTexA6 pic.twitter.com/uS5sOqAmp1These people formed a human chain to help save a man from a car that was being swept away by floodwaters https://t.co/S44wSTexA6 pic.twitter.com/uS5sOqAmp1
7.20pm BST7.20pm BST
19:2019:20
The Texas Department of Public Safety says more than 48,700 homes have been affected by flooding and other damage brought by Harvey since it first came ashore Friday.The Texas Department of Public Safety says more than 48,700 homes have been affected by flooding and other damage brought by Harvey since it first came ashore Friday.
A report released Wednesday shows more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed while about another 17,000 have sustained major damage. Approximately 32,000 have damage described by state authorities as minor.A report released Wednesday shows more than 1,000 homes have been destroyed while about another 17,000 have sustained major damage. Approximately 32,000 have damage described by state authorities as minor.
In Harris County, one of the state’s largest and home to Houston, about 43,700 homes have been damaged, with some 11,600 receiving major damage and another 770 destroyed.In Harris County, one of the state’s largest and home to Houston, about 43,700 homes have been damaged, with some 11,600 receiving major damage and another 770 destroyed.
From the Associated PressFrom the Associated Press
Harvey has also damaged nearly 700 businesses in the state.Harvey has also damaged nearly 700 businesses in the state.
DPS says its report will be updated each day so the number of damaged structures is expected to rise, particularly with expanding floodwaters in Southeast Texas as Harvey moves into Louisiana.DPS says its report will be updated each day so the number of damaged structures is expected to rise, particularly with expanding floodwaters in Southeast Texas as Harvey moves into Louisiana.
UpdatedUpdated
at 8.57pm BSTat 8.57pm BST
6.19pm BST6.19pm BST
18:1918:19
Notes from Gov Greg Abbott’s early afternoon press conference update, where he warns that “the worst is not yet over for south-east Texas, as far as the rain is concerned.”Notes from Gov Greg Abbott’s early afternoon press conference update, where he warns that “the worst is not yet over for south-east Texas, as far as the rain is concerned.”
Calls price gouging “unTexan” and says businesses can and will be put out of operation for engaging in it.Calls price gouging “unTexan” and says businesses can and will be put out of operation for engaging in it.
Says area affected bigger than Katrina, Sandy, and that federal funding should be “well in excess” of outlays for those disasters.Says area affected bigger than Katrina, Sandy, and that federal funding should be “well in excess” of outlays for those disasters.
Says this is the largest national guard deployment (14,000+ with another 10,000 en route) in Texas history that he’s aware of, has deployed Texas resources at 100%.Says this is the largest national guard deployment (14,000+ with another 10,000 en route) in Texas history that he’s aware of, has deployed Texas resources at 100%.
Urges residents not to drive into flooded waters: Many “if not most” lives lost have been “people who were driving vehicles into flooded waters.”Urges residents not to drive into flooded waters: Many “if not most” lives lost have been “people who were driving vehicles into flooded waters.”
There have already been 210,000 registrations to Fema for individual assistance; $37m in assistance approved so far.There have already been 210,000 registrations to Fema for individual assistance; $37m in assistance approved so far.
Says state will accept relief offered by Mexico, and reiterates that in recovery missions and shelters “no one is being asked about their [immigration status]. People are here for one purpose, and that isto save lives.”Says state will accept relief offered by Mexico, and reiterates that in recovery missions and shelters “no one is being asked about their [immigration status]. People are here for one purpose, and that isto save lives.”
TX Gov. Abbott: Defense Department supplying 200 boats, 200 vehicles for flood response efforts; Beaumont, Houston areas the priority. pic.twitter.com/IGXnICplZ8TX Gov. Abbott: Defense Department supplying 200 boats, 200 vehicles for flood response efforts; Beaumont, Houston areas the priority. pic.twitter.com/IGXnICplZ8
UpdatedUpdated
at 7.09pm BSTat 7.09pm BST
5.56pm BST
17:56
Joanna Walters
Even as flood waters continued to rise in many parts of the Houston area, a small item of encouraging news emerged from a hospital in the city’s central district.
Ben Taub hospital, which had been running out of food and was poised on Tuesday to begin evacuating, called off its evacuation plan because the immediate streets had dried out, allowing access for food deliveries and ambulance runs once again. The kitchen is also back in action, spokesman Bryan McLeod said.
With improved access, staff had been able to change shifts after many worked through since the storm hit on Friday. Many patients who were well enough had been discharged, reducing the number staying at the hospital on Wednesday from 350 to 307.
Ben Taub is a public sector hospital where the majority of those treated earn low incomes and do not have health insurance. It is part of the Harris Health System, which has 49 hospitals and clinics in the region, the vast majority of which were still closed on Wednesday because of the storm, health system spokesman McLeod told the Guardian. “But I think we’ve turned the corner,” he said.
Updated
at 8.59pm BST
5.47pm BST
17:47
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) says it’s not conducting immigration enforcement operations in storm-affected areas.
The agency’s statement Wednesday came in response to reports a day earlier that impersonators were knocking on doors in Houston and identifying themselves as Homeland Security investigations agents. Ice says the impersonators are reportedly telling people to evacuate, presumably with the intention of robbing their empty homes.
Ice is encouraging people to demand to see badges and credentials. The agency has sent employees to help with search-and-rescue operations.
The latest statement is more explicit than one issued earlier this week and perhaps more reassuring to people in the country illegally. On Monday, Ice said it won’t conduct “routine, non-criminal immigration enforcement operations” at evacuation sites and shelters, but that the law will not be suspended.
5.40pm BST
17:40
ESPN is reporting that the NFL has opted to cancel the preseason game between the Houston Texans and the Dallas Cowboys that had been scheduled for Thursday. The good news is: the cancellation comes because the Texans will be able to return home to their families in Houston sooner than anticipated.
The team had been in the Dallas area since early Sunday morning after flying directly from their preseason game in New Orleans.
Tickets for the game went on sale Tuesday night and more than 40,000 have been sold, with the proceeds going to the hurricane relief fund. The Dallas Morning News is reporting that any fans who bought tickets can receive a refund or choose to have the money used as a donation to relief efforts.
“This is bigger than football. It’s bigger than a game. It’s bigger than any of us. So we need to make sure that we’re thinking about these victims and the city of Houston before anything else,” said Texans star defensive end JJ Watt. Watt has raised more than $5m for relief and recovery efforts on social media.
The NFL is currently deciding whether or not to cancel another preseason game scheduled for Thursday night in New Orleans, where Harvey could also bring flooding over the next 24 hours.
Updated
at 5.43pm BST
5.15pm BST
17:15
Houston’s city council met today and approved the transfer of $20m in funds to disaster relief. City is expected to apply for reimbursement from Fema.
The meeting was held at the city convention center-turned-shelter because city hall is flooded.
Couldn't be prouder to be a Houstonian. Houston City Council meets today at the @GRBCC with @SylvesterTurner at the helm. pic.twitter.com/6DUtWiaIdb
5.09pm BST
17:09
The National Hurricane Center says Harvey should soon slow to a tropical depression.
Meteorologist Dennis Feltgen said Wednesday that Harvey is “spinning down,” and while it is still a tropical storm with 45 mph (72 kph) winds, “it should be a depression sometime tonight.”
A depression has maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph (61 kph) or less.
Feltgen says Beaumont, Texas, and Cameron, Louisiana, are “still under the gun” for rain from Harvey, and conditions won’t improve until Wednesday night.
4.32pm BST
16:32
This figure doesn’t include all of those who have been unofficially displaced, riding out the storm and its aftermath in hotels, motels or with friends and family.
FEMA says more than 30,000 people displaced by #Harvey are currently in more than 230 shelters https://t.co/vcqs7rU0Dz
4.21pm BST
16:21
Death toll climbs with two more confirmed fatalities
Authorities have just confirmed two more dead north of Houston bringing Harvey’s total death toll to 20.
4.12pm BST
16:12
US gasoline futures have already eclipsed a two-year high since Harvey’s landfall began threatening refinery capacity in the gulf. That means higher prices for consumers are around the corner.
Harvey shuts down largest US oil refinery, bears down on Louisiana plants https://t.co/vy6KsyT42a pic.twitter.com/PTmw5ZIbTj
Updated
at 4.32pm BST
3.14pm BST
15:14
Hello and welcome
Jamiles Lartey here, firing up our live blog for continued coverage on the fifth day of tropical storm Harvey. Our Claire Phipps has this handy roundup of where things stand as of Wednesday morning:
Tropical storm Harvey is back on land after coming ashore early on Wednesday just west of Cameron, Louisiana. The storm is expected to weaken and continue north.
Harvey is forecast to drop substantial amounts of rain across the state before moving on to Arkansas, Tennessee and parts of Missouri, which could also see flooding.
Texas is still reeling from the devastating rains of the past five days.
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.
Harvey now holds the US record for most rainfall from a tropical system.
The 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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
Updated
at 3.19pm BST
2.37pm BST
14:37
Rory Carroll
Our Rory Carroll reports that, with Houston out of Harvey’s sights, Texas and Louisiana residents further east are beginning to feel the effects of the storm’s second landfall.In Port Arthur, Texas, which is near the coast, rescue teams struggled to reach desperate residents. “Hundreds, if not thousands of people are stranded because of high water. There are people that have crawled into their attic, are on top of the cars because they were not physically able to get on to their roofs,” Jeff Branick, a senior administrator in Jefferson County, told the Beaumont Enterprise.
Cots and belongings were abandoned on the floor of a civic centre in Port Arthur that was serving as a shelter for at least a hundred people when a foot of water rushed in, Associated Press reported. Evacuees took to bleacher seats, while another shelter in Beaumont had reached its 600 capacity.
The area, already enduring heavy rain before Harvey’s latest landfall, appeared overwhelmed by flash floods. “Our whole city is underwater right now but we are coming,” Port Arthur mayor Derrick Freeman posted on Facebook overnight.
More than 400,000 people live in the Beaumont-Port Arthur area, which is home to numerous industrial facilities, including the country’s largest oil refinery, which was shutting down because of conditions.
“Catastrophic and life-threatening flooding continues in southeastern Texas and portions of southwestern Louisiana,” the National Hurricane Center warned in an advisory on Wednesday.
Latest key messages for Tropical Storm #Harvey at 4 AM CDT: https://t.co/7SHBg9lGxt pic.twitter.com/x7gOHWAjcT
Updated
at 4.39pm BST