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Tropical storm Harvey: number of confirmed deaths rises to 23 – live Tropical storm Harvey: number of confirmed deaths rises to 23 – live
(35 minutes later)
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Rescuers are still reaching people trapped in homes and vehicles by the floodwaters. These pictures from earlier on Wednesday show coast guard and US navy helicopter teams in Beaumont, Texas:
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Texas governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday said he would accept an offer of assistance from the Mexican government, which will now send vehicles and supplies to the stricken region.Texas governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday said he would accept an offer of assistance from the Mexican government, which will now send vehicles and supplies to the stricken region.
Separately, the Mexican Red Cross has also sent 33 volunteers to Texas to work in shelters in Houston.Separately, the Mexican Red Cross has also sent 33 volunteers to Texas to work in shelters in Houston.
Red Cross coordinator Marco Franco Hernandez told Reuters the move was part of an international programme in which volunteers from different countries offered aid to each other:Red Cross coordinator Marco Franco Hernandez told Reuters the move was part of an international programme in which volunteers from different countries offered aid to each other:
There’s also the possibility that one day in the future, they’re going to help here in our country.There’s also the possibility that one day in the future, they’re going to help here in our country.
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Flooding has caused at least two significant oil spills, Associated Press reports:Flooding has caused at least two significant oil spills, Associated Press reports:
State officials say floodwaters from Harvey toppled two oil storage tanks in south Texas, spilling almost 30,000 gallons of crude.State officials say floodwaters from Harvey toppled two oil storage tanks in south Texas, spilling almost 30,000 gallons of crude.
Burlington Resources Oil and Gas reported the spills in DeWitt county to the Texas Railroad Commission on Wednesday. They include a 16,170-gallon (385 barrels) spill near the town of Westhoff, and a 13,272-gallon (316 barrels) spill west of Hochheim. That’s an area about 150 miles west of Houston.Burlington Resources Oil and Gas reported the spills in DeWitt county to the Texas Railroad Commission on Wednesday. They include a 16,170-gallon (385 barrels) spill near the town of Westhoff, and a 13,272-gallon (316 barrels) spill west of Hochheim. That’s an area about 150 miles west of Houston.
It was not immediately clear if any of the spilled oil was recovered. About 8,500 gallons (200 barrels) of wastewater also spilled.It was not immediately clear if any of the spilled oil was recovered. About 8,500 gallons (200 barrels) of wastewater also spilled.
More damage to oil industry infrastructure is expected to emerge as floodwaters recede.More damage to oil industry infrastructure is expected to emerge as floodwaters recede.
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Texas ban on 'sanctuary cities' blockedTexas ban on 'sanctuary cities' blocked
Tom DartTom Dart
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday that blocks key parts of Texas’s ban on so-called sanctuary cities two days before the law was scheduled to go into effect.A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction on Wednesday that blocks key parts of Texas’s ban on so-called sanctuary cities two days before the law was scheduled to go into effect.
The decision is a victory for immigration rights advocates and a potential blow for other Republican-led states that may be keen to follow Texas – as well as for the Trump administration, which has vowed to crack down on sanctuary cities as part of its immigration enforcement plans.The decision is a victory for immigration rights advocates and a potential blow for other Republican-led states that may be keen to follow Texas – as well as for the Trump administration, which has vowed to crack down on sanctuary cities as part of its immigration enforcement plans.
Coming against the backdrop of Hurricane Harvey, news of the judge’s ruling will be a welcome boost for the state’s large population of undocumented immigrants. There were concerns that some of those affected by the storm’s widespread flooding had stayed away from shelters or avoided asking for help because they feared that interactions with law enforcement could be a prelude to deportation.Coming against the backdrop of Hurricane Harvey, news of the judge’s ruling will be a welcome boost for the state’s large population of undocumented immigrants. There were concerns that some of those affected by the storm’s widespread flooding had stayed away from shelters or avoided asking for help because they feared that interactions with law enforcement could be a prelude to deportation.
Rumours spread that evacuees were being asked for immigration documentation at shelters, which the city denied in a tweet:Rumours spread that evacuees were being asked for immigration documentation at shelters, which the city denied in a tweet:
WE WILL NOT ASK FOR IMMIGRATION STATUS OR PAPERS AT ANY SHELTER. No vamos a pedir documentos ni estatus migratorio en ningun albergueWE WILL NOT ASK FOR IMMIGRATION STATUS OR PAPERS AT ANY SHELTER. No vamos a pedir documentos ni estatus migratorio en ningun albergue
Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said in a Monday press conference that he would personally offer assistance to any immigrants detained after seeking emergency aid:Houston mayor Sylvester Turner said in a Monday press conference that he would personally offer assistance to any immigrants detained after seeking emergency aid:
If you need help and someone comes and they require help, and then for some reason, then somebody tries to deport them, I will represent them myself, OK?If you need help and someone comes and they require help, and then for some reason, then somebody tries to deport them, I will represent them myself, OK?
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Joel Osteen, pastor of Houston’s Lakewood church, has been responding to criticism that his megachurch was slow to offer its huge building to those fleeing the flooding.Joel Osteen, pastor of Houston’s Lakewood church, has been responding to criticism that his megachurch was slow to offer its huge building to those fleeing the flooding.
Osteen told Fox News that the church is now being used as a distribution centre for the city for supplies, and being stocked with air mattresses for evacuees:Osteen told Fox News that the church is now being used as a distribution centre for the city for supplies, and being stocked with air mattresses for evacuees:
The church doors have always been open. We took people in as soon as the waters receded.The church doors have always been open. We took people in as soon as the waters receded.
There’s a big shelter just down the street, maybe four miles, where they have thousands and thousands of people – but they’ve always been open, this is what Lakewood is all about.There’s a big shelter just down the street, maybe four miles, where they have thousands and thousands of people – but they’ve always been open, this is what Lakewood is all about.
Denying that negative comments on social media – read more on that here – had forced the church’s hand, Osteen said:Denying that negative comments on social media – read more on that here – had forced the church’s hand, Osteen said:
They don’t realise that the church was flooded … it’s a safety issue … This is a huge storm, you don’t have staff here, just a whole lot of things going on that people don’t really see …They don’t realise that the church was flooded … it’s a safety issue … This is a huge storm, you don’t have staff here, just a whole lot of things going on that people don’t really see …
Social media is powerful these days and I think some of it is just people who don’t like people like me or people of faith.Social media is powerful these days and I think some of it is just people who don’t like people like me or people of faith.
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Jonathan WattsJonathan Watts
Images of flooded streets in Texas are mirrored by scenes of inundated communities in India and Bangladesh, the recent mudslides in Sierra Leone and last month’s deadly overflow of a Yangtze tributary in China. In part, these calamities are seasonal. In part, the impact depends on local factors. But scientists tell us such extremes are likely to become more common and more devastating as a result of rising global temperatures and increasingly intense rainfall.Images of flooded streets in Texas are mirrored by scenes of inundated communities in India and Bangladesh, the recent mudslides in Sierra Leone and last month’s deadly overflow of a Yangtze tributary in China. In part, these calamities are seasonal. In part, the impact depends on local factors. But scientists tell us such extremes are likely to become more common and more devastating as a result of rising global temperatures and increasingly intense rainfall.
Our planet is in an era of unwelcome records. For each of the past three years, temperatures have hit peaks not seen since the birth of meteorology, and probably not for more than 110,000 years. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is at its highest level in 4m years.Our planet is in an era of unwelcome records. For each of the past three years, temperatures have hit peaks not seen since the birth of meteorology, and probably not for more than 110,000 years. The amount of carbon dioxide in the air is at its highest level in 4m years.
This does not cause storms like Harvey – there have always been storms and hurricanes at this time of year along the Gulf of Mexico – but it makes them wetter and more powerful.This does not cause storms like Harvey – there have always been storms and hurricanes at this time of year along the Gulf of Mexico – but it makes them wetter and more powerful.
As the seas warm, they evaporate more easily and provide energy to storm fronts. As the air above them warms, it holds more water vapour. For every half a degree celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content. Scientists call this the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.As the seas warm, they evaporate more easily and provide energy to storm fronts. As the air above them warms, it holds more water vapour. For every half a degree celsius in warming, there is about a 3% increase in atmospheric moisture content. Scientists call this the Clausius-Clapeyron equation.
This means the skies fill more quickly and have more to dump. In Harvey’s case, the surface temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is more than a degree higher than 30 years ago.This means the skies fill more quickly and have more to dump. In Harvey’s case, the surface temperature in the Gulf of Mexico is more than a degree higher than 30 years ago.
Yes, the storm surge was greater because sea levels have risen 20cm as a result of more than 100 years of human-related global warming. This has melted glaciers and thermally expanded the volume of seawater.Yes, the storm surge was greater because sea levels have risen 20cm as a result of more than 100 years of human-related global warming. This has melted glaciers and thermally expanded the volume of seawater.
Many factors are involved, but human impact on the climate has added to the tendency for more severe droughts and fiercer storms.Many factors are involved, but human impact on the climate has added to the tendency for more severe droughts and fiercer storms.
High tides have added to the unusually harsh monsoon flooding in India and Bangladesh that has killed more than 1,000 people in recent weeks and forced millions from their homes.High tides have added to the unusually harsh monsoon flooding in India and Bangladesh that has killed more than 1,000 people in recent weeks and forced millions from their homes.
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02:1602:16
Louisiana has been under siege from Harvey’s rains throughout Wednesday, with flooding across parts of the state close to the border with Texas.Louisiana has been under siege from Harvey’s rains throughout Wednesday, with flooding across parts of the state close to the border with Texas.
The then tropical storm, which had left land, returned on Wednesday just before dawn west of Cameron, Louisiana, with winds of 45mph (72kph).The then tropical storm, which had left land, returned on Wednesday just before dawn west of Cameron, Louisiana, with winds of 45mph (72kph).
The Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles is opening as a new shelter for those evacuated in Louisiana and from the Orange, Vidor, Port Arthur and Beaumont areas of southeast Texas.The Burton Coliseum in Lake Charles is opening as a new shelter for those evacuated in Louisiana and from the Orange, Vidor, Port Arthur and Beaumont areas of southeast Texas.
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The US National Hurricane Center has warned that Mexico’s Pacific coast is under threat from the coming tropical storm Lidia, Associated Press reports:The US National Hurricane Center has warned that Mexico’s Pacific coast is under threat from the coming tropical storm Lidia, Associated Press reports:
Authorities warned the Baja California peninsula to prepare for high winds, heavy rain and a dangerous storm surge along a shore that includes the twin resort cities of Los Cabos.Authorities warned the Baja California peninsula to prepare for high winds, heavy rain and a dangerous storm surge along a shore that includes the twin resort cities of Los Cabos.
A new tropical storm, Irma, also formed far out in the eastern Atlantic but forecasters said it did not pose an immediate threat to land.A new tropical storm, Irma, also formed far out in the eastern Atlantic but forecasters said it did not pose an immediate threat to land.
The National Hurricane Center said Lidia was expected to approach the southern tip of Baja California by late Thursday. It said the storm was likely to strengthen some more and there was a possibility it “still has the opportunity to become a hurricane before landfall”.The National Hurricane Center said Lidia was expected to approach the southern tip of Baja California by late Thursday. It said the storm was likely to strengthen some more and there was a possibility it “still has the opportunity to become a hurricane before landfall”.
Lidia had maximum sustained winds of 40mph (65kph) on Wednesday evening. Its centre was about 180 miles (290km) south-southeast of the peninsula’s tip Wednesday evening and it was heading north-northwest at 7mph (11kph).Lidia had maximum sustained winds of 40mph (65kph) on Wednesday evening. Its centre was about 180 miles (290km) south-southeast of the peninsula’s tip Wednesday evening and it was heading north-northwest at 7mph (11kph).
The hurricane center said the storm was dumping heavy rains over southwestern Mexico and was expected to produce total accumulations of as much as 8 to 12 inches (20-30cm) across much of Baja California Sur state and western Jalisco, threatening flash floods and landslides.The hurricane center said the storm was dumping heavy rains over southwestern Mexico and was expected to produce total accumulations of as much as 8 to 12 inches (20-30cm) across much of Baja California Sur state and western Jalisco, threatening flash floods and landslides.
1.37am BST1.37am BST
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Claire PhippsClaire Phipps
This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog.This is Claire Phipps picking up the live blog.
Former Hurricane Harvey is now former tropical storm Harvey, as the National Hurricane Center officially downgrades it to a tropical depression.Former Hurricane Harvey is now former tropical storm Harvey, as the National Hurricane Center officially downgrades it to a tropical depression.
Harvey currently sits 10 miles (16km) southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana, and its maximum wind speeds have dropped to 35mph (56kph).Harvey currently sits 10 miles (16km) southwest of Alexandria, Louisiana, and its maximum wind speeds have dropped to 35mph (56kph).
But while the heavy rains are ceasing, the effects of Harvey continue to bring devastation: catastrophic flooding is still in evidence across Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur and southwestern Louisiana.But while the heavy rains are ceasing, the effects of Harvey continue to bring devastation: catastrophic flooding is still in evidence across Houston, Beaumont, Port Arthur and southwestern Louisiana.
We’ll continue to have fresh developments on Harvey and the relief efforts on the live blog.We’ll continue to have fresh developments on Harvey and the relief efforts on the live blog.
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01:0901:09
The latestThe latest
Tropical storm Harvey has just been downgraded to a tropical depression, but the heavy rains, catastrophic flooding and rescue efforts have continued.Tropical storm Harvey has just been downgraded to a tropical depression, but the heavy rains, catastrophic flooding and rescue efforts have continued.
The total confirmed death toll has increased to 23, with ongoing reports of people drowning and swept away by floods across the region.The total confirmed death toll has increased to 23, with ongoing reports of people drowning and swept away by floods across the region.
Harvey has spawned at least one tornado in Mississippi, damaging homes and toppling trees.Harvey has spawned at least one tornado in Mississippi, damaging homes and toppling trees.
More than 48,700 homes have been affected by flooding and other damage in Texas, and one analysis suggests $24bn worth of property has been impacted.More than 48,700 homes have been affected by flooding and other damage in Texas, and one analysis suggests $24bn worth of property has been impacted.
Texas senator Ted Cruz and New Jersey governor Chris Christie publicly feuded on Wednesday over disaster funding.Texas senator Ted Cruz and New Jersey governor Chris Christie publicly feuded on Wednesday over disaster funding.
Republicans in the House are considering cutting almost $1bn from disaster accounts to help finance Donald Trump’s proposed Mexico border wall.Republicans in the House are considering cutting almost $1bn from disaster accounts to help finance Donald Trump’s proposed Mexico border wall.
Texas’ governor said the area affected by Harvey is greater than Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy and that the federal funding should be “well in excess” of those disasters.Texas’ governor said the area affected by Harvey is greater than Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Sandy and that the federal funding should be “well in excess” of those disasters.
The US government has issued emergency waivers allowing more than a dozen states to ignore certain clean-air requirements for gasoline to ensure a proper fuel supply.The US government has issued emergency waivers allowing more than a dozen states to ignore certain clean-air requirements for gasoline to ensure a proper fuel supply.
A chemical plant near Houston might explode, and the CEO has said there’s nothing the manufacturer can do to prevent it.A chemical plant near Houston might explode, and the CEO has said there’s nothing the manufacturer can do to prevent it.
There have already been 210,000 registrations to Fema for individual assistance, and $37m has been approved.There have already been 210,000 registrations to Fema for individual assistance, and $37m has been approved.
UpdatedUpdated
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12.48am BST12.48am BST
00:4800:48
Tom DartTom Dart
State transportation officials are working to try to prevent water from bursting on to Interstate 10 around 20 miles west of downtown Houston.State transportation officials are working to try to prevent water from bursting on to Interstate 10 around 20 miles west of downtown Houston.
One of the world’s widest and busiest freeways in this location, I-10 is a vital link between the western and eastern regions of the city, especially this week with many other routes closed. It connects Houston to San Antonio in the west and New Orleans in the east.One of the world’s widest and busiest freeways in this location, I-10 is a vital link between the western and eastern regions of the city, especially this week with many other routes closed. It connects Houston to San Antonio in the west and New Orleans in the east.
But it passes between the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and Buffalo Bayou and its frontage roads are submerged. Workers are installing a temporary barrier next to an existing wall on the westbound side. The freeway was closed today around Beaumont, 80 miles from central Houston, which was hit hard overnight by Harvey as the storm moved eastwards.But it passes between the Addicks and Barker reservoirs and Buffalo Bayou and its frontage roads are submerged. Workers are installing a temporary barrier next to an existing wall on the westbound side. The freeway was closed today around Beaumont, 80 miles from central Houston, which was hit hard overnight by Harvey as the storm moved eastwards.
Here are some images from earlier:Here are some images from earlier:
Harvey turned part of Interstate 10 into a roaring river — with actual waves https://t.co/cZdd7h3j73Harvey turned part of Interstate 10 into a roaring river — with actual waves https://t.co/cZdd7h3j73
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00:3200:32
A Reuters analysis has found that at least $24 billion worth of property has been impacted by Harvey flooding in Harris and Galveston counties in Texas. The analysis is based on satellite imagery and property data. From Reuters:A Reuters analysis has found that at least $24 billion worth of property has been impacted by Harvey flooding in Harris and Galveston counties in Texas. The analysis is based on satellite imagery and property data. From Reuters:
The number represents market value, not storm damage, and is but a small fraction of the storm’s reach, as satellite images of the flooding are incomplete. Satellite imagery compiled by researchers at the University of Colorado shows flooding across 234 square miles (600 square kilometers) of Harris County and 51 square miles (132 sq km) of Galveston County, about one-eighth of each county’s land area.The number represents market value, not storm damage, and is but a small fraction of the storm’s reach, as satellite images of the flooding are incomplete. Satellite imagery compiled by researchers at the University of Colorado shows flooding across 234 square miles (600 square kilometers) of Harris County and 51 square miles (132 sq km) of Galveston County, about one-eighth of each county’s land area.
Exclusive: @Reuters analysis shows at least $23 billion worth of property affected by flooding from #Harvey. https://t.co/gSLhwrEfuO pic.twitter.com/xG0FXoiH3MExclusive: @Reuters analysis shows at least $23 billion worth of property affected by flooding from #Harvey. https://t.co/gSLhwrEfuO pic.twitter.com/xG0FXoiH3M
12.21am BST12.21am BST
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Aerial images of Harvey devastationAerial images of Harvey devastation
Below is a collection of aerial photos and videos capturing some of the devastation caused by Harvey as of Wednesday evening.Below is a collection of aerial photos and videos capturing some of the devastation caused by Harvey as of Wednesday evening.
Above the flood: Video shows aerial view of Harvey's devastation. Read more: https://t.co/C6NtIxhIHe pic.twitter.com/iS4MDy43yrAbove the flood: Video shows aerial view of Harvey's devastation. Read more: https://t.co/C6NtIxhIHe pic.twitter.com/iS4MDy43yr
US Coast Guard aerial photo provides a wider perspective of the extent of #Harvey flooding in Texas.https://t.co/MsZuA0vcpv pic.twitter.com/oAwANEJswHUS Coast Guard aerial photo provides a wider perspective of the extent of #Harvey flooding in Texas.https://t.co/MsZuA0vcpv pic.twitter.com/oAwANEJswH
the aerial shots of houston after harvey are overwhelmingly heartbreaking https://t.co/kC0va48bRNthe aerial shots of houston after harvey are overwhelmingly heartbreaking https://t.co/kC0va48bRN
Before and after aerial imagery from @NOAA provides a bird's-eye view of the damage caused by #Harvey at landfall: https://t.co/8kiDyFGMEB pic.twitter.com/Z79Pbi4Cd8Before and after aerial imagery from @NOAA provides a bird's-eye view of the damage caused by #Harvey at landfall: https://t.co/8kiDyFGMEB pic.twitter.com/Z79Pbi4Cd8
Aerial photos provide a bird's-eye view of the destruction left behind in Texas by #Harvey. https://t.co/gwPrLmhmcX pic.twitter.com/zGz2hJreICAerial photos provide a bird's-eye view of the destruction left behind in Texas by #Harvey. https://t.co/gwPrLmhmcX pic.twitter.com/zGz2hJreIC
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Harvey could soon be downgradedHarvey could soon be downgraded
Forecasters are now predicting that Harvey will be downgraded to a “tropical depression” late Wednesday or early Thursday and that the storm will completely dissipate within three to four days, the AP reports.Forecasters are now predicting that Harvey will be downgraded to a “tropical depression” late Wednesday or early Thursday and that the storm will completely dissipate within three to four days, the AP reports.
Harvey may be downgraded to tropical depression https://t.co/GCAbIbXUZJ pic.twitter.com/3e0f7cyODFHarvey may be downgraded to tropical depression https://t.co/GCAbIbXUZJ pic.twitter.com/3e0f7cyODF
Winds were 40 mph (65 km/h) as of Wednesday afternoon, and the National Hurricane Center is predicting that Harvey will drop 4 to 8 inches of rain from the Louisiana-Texas border northeastward to Tennessee and Kentucky through Friday, according to the AP. Flooding is possible, and some areas could get up to a foot of rain.Winds were 40 mph (65 km/h) as of Wednesday afternoon, and the National Hurricane Center is predicting that Harvey will drop 4 to 8 inches of rain from the Louisiana-Texas border northeastward to Tennessee and Kentucky through Friday, according to the AP. Flooding is possible, and some areas could get up to a foot of rain.
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Arkema, an industrial chemical manufacturer, has warned that its plant struck by storm Harvey near Houston could explode and that there is “no way to prevent” it. CEO Rich Rowe said in a press conference on Wednesday:Arkema, an industrial chemical manufacturer, has warned that its plant struck by storm Harvey near Houston could explode and that there is “no way to prevent” it. CEO Rich Rowe said in a press conference on Wednesday:
There is no way to prevent an explosion or fire. ... It’s impossible to predict with 100 percent confidence a situation like this. No one anticipated six feet of water.There is no way to prevent an explosion or fire. ... It’s impossible to predict with 100 percent confidence a situation like this. No one anticipated six feet of water.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the facility lost power from its primary supply and backup generators late Monday night. While the company moved highly volatile organic peroxides into back-up containers to keep them cool, if the chemicals get too hot, they can cause explosions or fires, the paper reported.According to the Houston Chronicle, the facility lost power from its primary supply and backup generators late Monday night. While the company moved highly volatile organic peroxides into back-up containers to keep them cool, if the chemicals get too hot, they can cause explosions or fires, the paper reported.
It’s unclear how big an explosion might be, and officials have not disclosed the amount of chemicals on site. Employees and nearby residents have been evacuated:It’s unclear how big an explosion might be, and officials have not disclosed the amount of chemicals on site. Employees and nearby residents have been evacuated:
#Update on #Arkema Facility in Crosby, TX from Harris County Officials. pic.twitter.com/SgWMgWTgrz#Update on #Arkema Facility in Crosby, TX from Harris County Officials. pic.twitter.com/SgWMgWTgrz
10.45pm BST10.45pm BST
22:4522:45
Married couple confirmed deadMarried couple confirmed dead
The number of confirmed deaths has increased to 23 as of late Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have reported that a married couple who drove a pickup truck into floodwaters drowned after a current from a nearby creek swept the vehicle away, according to the AP.The number of confirmed deaths has increased to 23 as of late Wednesday afternoon. Authorities have reported that a married couple who drove a pickup truck into floodwaters drowned after a current from a nearby creek swept the vehicle away, according to the AP.
Update: 2 drowned near Fulshear when they drove down Pool Hill Rd. Current swept vehicle. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/if4l8j5SOxUpdate: 2 drowned near Fulshear when they drove down Pool Hill Rd. Current swept vehicle. #Harvey pic.twitter.com/if4l8j5SOx
Chad Norvell, with the Fort Bend county sheriff’s office, said the couple was on the phone with 911 seeking help when the call dropped. Officers later found the truck completely submerged, the AP reported.Chad Norvell, with the Fort Bend county sheriff’s office, said the couple was on the phone with 911 seeking help when the call dropped. Officers later found the truck completely submerged, the AP reported.
Norvell identified the couple as Donald Rogers, 65, and Rochelle Rogers, 58. They lived in a rural part of the county southwest of Houston and were headed to a relative’s house.Norvell identified the couple as Donald Rogers, 65, and Rochelle Rogers, 58. They lived in a rural part of the county southwest of Houston and were headed to a relative’s house.
10.36pm BST10.36pm BST
22:3622:36
Tom DartTom 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: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.”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.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.