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Tropical storm Harvey: authorities confirm death toll has reached 20 – live Tropical storm Harvey: authorities confirm death toll has reached 20 – live
(35 minutes later)
6.19pm BST
18:19
Notes from Gov Greg Abbott’s early afternoon press conference update where he warns that “the worst is not yet over for southeast 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.
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%.
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; $37 million 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.”
TX Gov. Abbott: Defense Department supplying 200 boats, 200 vehicles for flood response efforts; Beaumont, Houston areas the priority. pic.twitter.com/IGXnICplZ8
Updated
at 6.24pm BST
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Joanna WaltersJoanna 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.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.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.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 are on 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.Ben Taub is a public sector hospital where the majority of those treated are on 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.
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US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (Ice) says it’s not conducting immigration enforcement operations in storm-affected areas.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.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.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.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 BST5.40pm BST
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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.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.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.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.“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.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.
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at 5.43pm BSTat 5.43pm BST
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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.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.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/6DUtWiaIdbCouldn'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 BST5.09pm BST
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The National Hurricane Center says Harvey should soon slow to a tropical depression.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.”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.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.Feltgen says Beaumont, Texas, and Cameron, Louisiana, are “still under the gun” for rain from Harvey, and conditions won’t improve until Wednesday night.
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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.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/vcqs7rU0DzFEMA says more than 30,000 people displaced by #Harvey are currently in more than 230 shelters https://t.co/vcqs7rU0Dz
4.21pm BST4.21pm BST
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Death toll climbs with two more confirmed fatalitiesDeath 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.Authorities have just confirmed two more dead north of Houston bringing Harvey’s total death toll to 20.
4.12pm BST4.12pm BST
16:1216:12
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.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/PTmw5ZIbTjHarvey shuts down largest US oil refinery, bears down on Louisiana plants https://t.co/vy6KsyT42a pic.twitter.com/PTmw5ZIbTj
UpdatedUpdated
at 4.32pm BSTat 4.32pm BST
3.14pm BST3.14pm BST
15:1415:14
Hello and welcomeHello 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: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.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.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.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.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 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 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.
UpdatedUpdated
at 3.19pm BSTat 3.19pm BST
2.37pm BST2.37pm BST
14:3714:37
Rory CarrollRory 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.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.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.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.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.“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/x7gOHWAjcTLatest key messages for Tropical Storm #Harvey at 4 AM CDT: https://t.co/7SHBg9lGxt pic.twitter.com/x7gOHWAjcT
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at 4.39pm BSTat 4.39pm BST