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| Texas flooding: 100,000 homes damaged by Harvey – as it happened | |
| (about 3 hours later) | |
| 3.29am BST | |
| 03:29 | |
| This live coverage is now closing. Read our latest news story here: | |
| 1.03am BST | 1.03am BST |
| 01:03 | 01:03 |
| The latest | The latest |
| The number of confirmed deaths related to Harvey reached 35 on Thursday, and the figure is expected to increase. | The number of confirmed deaths related to Harvey reached 35 on Thursday, and the figure is expected to increase. |
| President Donald Trump pledged to donate $1m to relief efforts. | President Donald Trump pledged to donate $1m to relief efforts. |
| Harvey has been downgraded from a category 4 hurricane to a tropical depression and has moved over Louisiana and Mississippi. | Harvey has been downgraded from a category 4 hurricane to a tropical depression and has moved over Louisiana and Mississippi. |
| There were fires and explosions at a chemical plant near Houston early Thursday, leading to a federal investigation. | There were fires and explosions at a chemical plant near Houston early Thursday, leading to a federal investigation. |
| High levels of E coli were found in floodwaters, and there are growing concerns about other storm-related health hazards. | High levels of E coli were found in floodwaters, and there are growing concerns about other storm-related health hazards. |
| Vice president Mike Pence visited Texas on Thursday and faced questions about his controversial position on relief funding as a member of the House during Hurricane Katrina. | Vice president Mike Pence visited Texas on Thursday and faced questions about his controversial position on relief funding as a member of the House during Hurricane Katrina. |
| The US transportation secretary announced $100m to rebuild Texas infrastructure. | The US transportation secretary announced $100m to rebuild Texas infrastructure. |
| The National Weather Service has forecasted flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee. | The National Weather Service has forecasted flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee. |
| Downtown Houston is showing signs of recovery. | Downtown Houston is showing signs of recovery. |
| Houston emergency officials said the number of calls for service is diminishing. | Houston emergency officials said the number of calls for service is diminishing. |
| An official estimated that 100,000 homes have been affected or damaged by Harvey. | An official estimated that 100,000 homes have been affected or damaged by Harvey. |
| 12.46am BST | 12.46am BST |
| 00:46 | 00:46 |
| Houston update: calls for service diminishing | Houston update: calls for service diminishing |
| Houston city officials have provided an update on the response to tropical storm Harvey, noting that the calls for service are declining. Houston fire chief Samuel Peña said the city has received 16,000 calls for service throughout the storm, but 800 calls today since midnight – 22 of which were water rescues. | Houston city officials have provided an update on the response to tropical storm Harvey, noting that the calls for service are declining. Houston fire chief Samuel Peña said the city has received 16,000 calls for service throughout the storm, but 800 calls today since midnight – 22 of which were water rescues. |
| “They are steadily diminishing,” he said. Peña also warned about potential wildlife, including snakes and rodents, winding up in damaged properties: “Be very cautious. It is a hazardous environment.” | “They are steadily diminishing,” he said. Peña also warned about potential wildlife, including snakes and rodents, winding up in damaged properties: “Be very cautious. It is a hazardous environment.” |
| A Houston police official said that over the last day, there have been 69 arrests, eight of which were for looting. He said that was lower than the typical rate of burglary or looting on an average day. He also said there have been 30 missing people reports since the storm began, and 19 remain pending. | A Houston police official said that over the last day, there have been 69 arrests, eight of which were for looting. He said that was lower than the typical rate of burglary or looting on an average day. He also said there have been 30 missing people reports since the storm began, and 19 remain pending. |
| Here’s footage earlier of Houston officials surveying damage by helicopter: | Here’s footage earlier of Houston officials surveying damage by helicopter: |
| Mayor @sylvesterturner Chief @artacevedo & HFD Chief Pena board HPD helicopter to survey Houston https://t.co/IWwpkG7GUC | Mayor @sylvesterturner Chief @artacevedo & HFD Chief Pena board HPD helicopter to survey Houston https://t.co/IWwpkG7GUC |
| 12.21am BST | 12.21am BST |
| 00:21 | 00:21 |
| Federal law enforcement officials and Texas and Louisiana leaders have formed a working group to investigate and prosecute illegal activity related to Hurricane Harvey, the Associated Press reports. Authorities said they are bringing together roughly a dozen agencies into a single group to address Harvey-related scams. | Federal law enforcement officials and Texas and Louisiana leaders have formed a working group to investigate and prosecute illegal activity related to Hurricane Harvey, the Associated Press reports. Authorities said they are bringing together roughly a dozen agencies into a single group to address Harvey-related scams. |
| Houston-based acting US attorney Abe Martinez said storm victims already have suffered devastation and “the last thing that victims of the damage need is to be victimized again”. | Houston-based acting US attorney Abe Martinez said storm victims already have suffered devastation and “the last thing that victims of the damage need is to be victimized again”. |
| Some tips on how to avoid scams: | Some tips on how to avoid scams: |
| Tips from the Federal Trade Commission and other sources on how to avoid scam charities https://t.co/wsAxXV6ifR | Tips from the Federal Trade Commission and other sources on how to avoid scam charities https://t.co/wsAxXV6ifR |
| 11.42pm BST | 11.42pm BST |
| 23:42 | 23:42 |
| Mike Pence dodges funding question | Mike Pence dodges funding question |
| Vice president Mike Pence just dodged a question at a press conference about whether he believes the federal funding for Harvey should be offset by cuts elsewhere. | Vice president Mike Pence just dodged a question at a press conference about whether he believes the federal funding for Harvey should be offset by cuts elsewhere. |
| Critics have pointed out that as a House member in 2005, Pence argued that the government should provide aid to Hurricane Katrina victims only if the budget was cut in other areas, a controversial stance that has put him and some Texas Republicans in an awkward position this week. | Critics have pointed out that as a House member in 2005, Pence argued that the government should provide aid to Hurricane Katrina victims only if the budget was cut in other areas, a controversial stance that has put him and some Texas Republicans in an awkward position this week. |
| As a House member in 2005, VP Pence wanted offsets for Katrina aid. Here's what he said today in Texas about paying for Harvey aid: pic.twitter.com/GDYZ3HvF35 | As a House member in 2005, VP Pence wanted offsets for Katrina aid. Here's what he said today in Texas about paying for Harvey aid: pic.twitter.com/GDYZ3HvF35 |
| Pressed on the question of offsets at the news conference, he said: “President Trump’s top priority now is focusing on rescue and recovery efforts.” He later added: “The resources will be there ... I’m very confident that members of both political parties will work with our administration to rebuild Texas.” | Pressed on the question of offsets at the news conference, he said: “President Trump’s top priority now is focusing on rescue and recovery efforts.” He later added: “The resources will be there ... I’m very confident that members of both political parties will work with our administration to rebuild Texas.” |
| 11.17pm BST | 11.17pm BST |
| 23:17 | 23:17 |
| $100m announced for Texas infrastructure | $100m announced for Texas infrastructure |
| US transportation secretary Elaine Chao has just announced $100 million in financial support for Texas infrastructure at an ongoing press conference: | US transportation secretary Elaine Chao has just announced $100 million in financial support for Texas infrastructure at an ongoing press conference: |
| Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao announces $100 million in financial support for Texas infrastructure after Harvey https://t.co/vpsOy0aFAG | Transportation Sec. Elaine Chao announces $100 million in financial support for Texas infrastructure after Harvey https://t.co/vpsOy0aFAG |
| Elaine Duke of the Department of Homeland Security said at the news conference that the government has rescued more than 10,000 people from the state and has approved 100,000 requests of individual assistance, totaling $50m. | Elaine Duke of the Department of Homeland Security said at the news conference that the government has rescued more than 10,000 people from the state and has approved 100,000 requests of individual assistance, totaling $50m. |
| 11.08pm BST | 11.08pm BST |
| 23:08 | 23:08 |
| It has become increasingly difficult in parts of Texas for people to fill fuel tanks, according to the Associated Press, which is reporting on a steep increase in pump costs and stations across the region out of gas: | It has become increasingly difficult in parts of Texas for people to fill fuel tanks, according to the Associated Press, which is reporting on a steep increase in pump costs and stations across the region out of gas: |
| In Dallas, lines of cars a block long were common for the few gas stations that had gasoline to sell Thursday. The scene was reminiscent of the gas lines seen during the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s. | In Dallas, lines of cars a block long were common for the few gas stations that had gasoline to sell Thursday. The scene was reminiscent of the gas lines seen during the Arab oil embargo of the 1970s. |
| One Chevron station in downtown Dallas that sold regular gas for $2.29 a gallon just before the storm was charging $2.99 on Thursday. Others charged well over $3, and one downtown Shell station charged $3.97 for a regular gallon of gas. At three gas stations in north Dallas, yellow bags or caution tape was wrapped around pumps just after noon. | One Chevron station in downtown Dallas that sold regular gas for $2.29 a gallon just before the storm was charging $2.99 on Thursday. Others charged well over $3, and one downtown Shell station charged $3.97 for a regular gallon of gas. At three gas stations in north Dallas, yellow bags or caution tape was wrapped around pumps just after noon. |
| The US Department of Energy on Thursday also released 1 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the White House has said more could flow due to Harvey inundating Gulf Coast refineries and driving up fuel prices, according to Reuters. | The US Department of Energy on Thursday also released 1 million barrels of oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and the White House has said more could flow due to Harvey inundating Gulf Coast refineries and driving up fuel prices, according to Reuters. |
| 10.46pm BST | 10.46pm BST |
| 22:46 | 22:46 |
| The US Chemical Safety Board has launched an investigation into the explosions at the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas. Chairperson Vanessa Allan Sutherland said in a Facebook post that the board has begun a probe that will include significant document requests related to the chemical processes and storage at the site as well as “implications for emergency preparedness and response efforts”. | The US Chemical Safety Board has launched an investigation into the explosions at the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas. Chairperson Vanessa Allan Sutherland said in a Facebook post that the board has begun a probe that will include significant document requests related to the chemical processes and storage at the site as well as “implications for emergency preparedness and response efforts”. |
| The board will not be deploying its staff until the facility is deemed safe, Sutherland added. | The board will not be deploying its staff until the facility is deemed safe, Sutherland added. |
| President Trump earlier this year proposed eliminating the chemical safety board, drawing strong criticisms, including from Christine Todd Whitman, the former head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, who said, “If you want to put the American people in danger this is the way to do it.” | President Trump earlier this year proposed eliminating the chemical safety board, drawing strong criticisms, including from Christine Todd Whitman, the former head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, who said, “If you want to put the American people in danger this is the way to do it.” |
| Don't forget—Trump wants to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board, federal agency that investigates chemical accidents https://t.co/k0CLuLAGmh https://t.co/h5hs3pUnse | Don't forget—Trump wants to eliminate the Chemical Safety Board, federal agency that investigates chemical accidents https://t.co/k0CLuLAGmh https://t.co/h5hs3pUnse |
| 10.23pm BST | 10.23pm BST |
| 22:23 | 22:23 |
| High levels of E coli found in water | High levels of E coli found in water |
| Sam Levin | Sam Levin |
| Sam Levin here, taking over our ongoing live coverage of tropical storm Harvey, which now has a confirmed death toll of 31 people, a number expected to rise. | Sam Levin here, taking over our ongoing live coverage of tropical storm Harvey, which now has a confirmed death toll of 31 people, a number expected to rise. |
| The AP is now reporting on a Texas A&M University analysis of Houston floodwater samples, showing E coli levels that are 125 times higher than is considered safe for swimming. Walking through the floodwater could lead to infections and other problems, said Terry Gentry, an associate professor in the university’s department of soil and crop sciences. | The AP is now reporting on a Texas A&M University analysis of Houston floodwater samples, showing E coli levels that are 125 times higher than is considered safe for swimming. Walking through the floodwater could lead to infections and other problems, said Terry Gentry, an associate professor in the university’s department of soil and crop sciences. |
| A test in a suburb northwest of Houston showed bacteria levels 15 times above the safe level, according to the AP. Here’s an ABC News segment with more detail: | A test in a suburb northwest of Houston showed bacteria levels 15 times above the safe level, according to the AP. Here’s an ABC News segment with more detail: |
| The Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have also just released a statement noting that there can be “releases of wastewater from sanitary sewers occur during major flood events”, adding: | The Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality have also just released a statement noting that there can be “releases of wastewater from sanitary sewers occur during major flood events”, adding: |
| Floodwaters may contain many hazards, including bacteria and other disease agents. Precautions should be taken by anyone involved in cleanup activities or any others who may be exposed to flood waters. These precautions include heeding all warnings from local and state authorities regarding boil water notices, swimming advisories, or other safety advisories. | Floodwaters may contain many hazards, including bacteria and other disease agents. Precautions should be taken by anyone involved in cleanup activities or any others who may be exposed to flood waters. These precautions include heeding all warnings from local and state authorities regarding boil water notices, swimming advisories, or other safety advisories. |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.31pm BST | at 10.31pm BST |
| 9.52pm BST | 9.52pm BST |
| 21:52 | 21:52 |
| Harris County, which has seen the majority of deaths from Harvey so far, says its morgue is close to capacity because of storm-related bodies and deaths that are not related to the flooding. | Harris County, which has seen the majority of deaths from Harvey so far, says its morgue is close to capacity because of storm-related bodies and deaths that are not related to the flooding. |
| Tricia Bentley, spokeswoman for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences said Thursday that funeral homes have been unable to retrieve the bodies in the aftermath of the storm and it has asked for a large refrigerated 18-wheeler to store more of them. | Tricia Bentley, spokeswoman for the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences said Thursday that funeral homes have been unable to retrieve the bodies in the aftermath of the storm and it has asked for a large refrigerated 18-wheeler to store more of them. |
| The county has confirmed 18 storm-related deaths and is investigating 10 more as potentially Harvey-related. | The county has confirmed 18 storm-related deaths and is investigating 10 more as potentially Harvey-related. |
| Bentley says the morgue has about 175 bodies total most of them not related to the storm and it has a capacity of 200. The agency has requested approval from the state for the tractor-trailer and expects to receive it Friday. So far, the death toll from Harvey is at least 30. | Bentley says the morgue has about 175 bodies total most of them not related to the storm and it has a capacity of 200. The agency has requested approval from the state for the tractor-trailer and expects to receive it Friday. So far, the death toll from Harvey is at least 30. |
| Via the Associated Press | Via the Associated Press |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.53pm BST | at 9.53pm BST |
| 9.50pm BST | 9.50pm BST |
| 21:50 | 21:50 |
| The National Weather Service is forecasting flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee as Tropical Depression Harvey travels inland. | The National Weather Service is forecasting flooding in Kentucky and Tennessee as Tropical Depression Harvey travels inland. |
| Forecasters say the storm is expected to drop 2 to 6 in (5 to 15.2 cm) of rain in Kentucky, with the highest totals expected in western Kentucky near the Tennessee border. | Forecasters say the storm is expected to drop 2 to 6 in (5 to 15.2 cm) of rain in Kentucky, with the highest totals expected in western Kentucky near the Tennessee border. |
| Moderate to locally heavy rains have already pushed into southern Ky. Heaviest stuff from Harvey still to our southwest. #kywx pic.twitter.com/OZXT87vKnb | Moderate to locally heavy rains have already pushed into southern Ky. Heaviest stuff from Harvey still to our southwest. #kywx pic.twitter.com/OZXT87vKnb |
| The heaviest rainfall for a wide swath of the state is expected to start late Thursday and last through Friday afternoon. Forecasters say high winds from the storm could also produce tornadoes. | The heaviest rainfall for a wide swath of the state is expected to start late Thursday and last through Friday afternoon. Forecasters say high winds from the storm could also produce tornadoes. |
| Some locations in Tennessee could get more than 10 in (25.4 cm), though most will get 4 inches to 8 inches (10.1 to 20.3 cm). The say high winds from the storm could also produce tornadoes. The weather service issued a flood warning for areas along several rivers in West Tennessee while a flood watch included the whole region and stretched into Middle Tennessee. | Some locations in Tennessee could get more than 10 in (25.4 cm), though most will get 4 inches to 8 inches (10.1 to 20.3 cm). The say high winds from the storm could also produce tornadoes. The weather service issued a flood warning for areas along several rivers in West Tennessee while a flood watch included the whole region and stretched into Middle Tennessee. |
| Via the Associated Press | Via the Associated Press |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 9.50pm BST | at 9.50pm BST |
| 8.49pm BST | 8.49pm BST |
| 20:49 | 20:49 |
| Trump to donate $1m | Trump to donate $1m |
| White House Press Secritary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Donald Trump plans to donate $1m of his own money to relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. | White House Press Secritary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that Donald Trump plans to donate $1m of his own money to relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. |
| Surprisingly, given the administration’s antipathy for the news media, Huckabee Sanders asks reporters for their help, on behalf of Trump, in choosing a charity to give that money to, “since you are very good at research and have been doing a lot of reporting into the organizations that are best and most effective in providing aid and he’d love some suggestions.” | Surprisingly, given the administration’s antipathy for the news media, Huckabee Sanders asks reporters for their help, on behalf of Trump, in choosing a charity to give that money to, “since you are very good at research and have been doing a lot of reporting into the organizations that are best and most effective in providing aid and he’d love some suggestions.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.30pm BST | at 10.30pm BST |
| 8.40pm BST | 8.40pm BST |
| 20:40 | 20:40 |
| Homeland Security on undocumented immigrants | Homeland Security on undocumented immigrants |
| Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert spoke to press from Washington DC, and here are some of the highlights from his update. | Homeland Security adviser Tom Bossert spoke to press from Washington DC, and here are some of the highlights from his update. |
| About 100,000 homes have been damaged by floodwater so far by Harvey. | About 100,000 homes have been damaged by floodwater so far by Harvey. |
| About 7,000 hospital patients will likely by moved to less compromised facilities in the coming days. | About 7,000 hospital patients will likely by moved to less compromised facilities in the coming days. |
| Cautioned that often a second wave of lost life comes in this phase after a disaster. “people will start using chainsaws, people will remove debris, people will be stressed... tend to get sick,” Bossert said. “Try to avoid strain and stress, try to get where there’s food clothes and shelter.” | Cautioned that often a second wave of lost life comes in this phase after a disaster. “people will start using chainsaws, people will remove debris, people will be stressed... tend to get sick,” Bossert said. “Try to avoid strain and stress, try to get where there’s food clothes and shelter.” |
| Did not say whether or not the US would be accepting aid offered by Canada or Mexico. | Did not say whether or not the US would be accepting aid offered by Canada or Mexico. |
| Said a supplemental disaster relief request would be put together by the White House shortly for congress to vote on. | Said a supplemental disaster relief request would be put together by the White House shortly for congress to vote on. |
| On undocumented immigrants: “In terms of immediate lifesaving, no [individuals] should worry about their immigration status unless they’ve committed a crime,” adding that undocumented immigrants in Houston area that have broken the law will be “rounded up” by law enforcement regardless of the ongoing humanitarian disaster. | On undocumented immigrants: “In terms of immediate lifesaving, no [individuals] should worry about their immigration status unless they’ve committed a crime,” adding that undocumented immigrants in Houston area that have broken the law will be “rounded up” by law enforcement regardless of the ongoing humanitarian disaster. |
| "Anyone trying to take advantage of a disaster victim, expect law enforcement to come down on them with a hammer," WH's Tom Bossert says. pic.twitter.com/5wYfXe1T1o | "Anyone trying to take advantage of a disaster victim, expect law enforcement to come down on them with a hammer," WH's Tom Bossert says. pic.twitter.com/5wYfXe1T1o |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 10.29pm BST | at 10.29pm BST |
| 7.58pm BST | 7.58pm BST |
| 19:58 | 19:58 |
| Houston School District Superintendent Richard Carranza tells CNN the district’s first day of school will be September 11. | Houston School District Superintendent Richard Carranza tells CNN the district’s first day of school will be September 11. |
| It had originally been scheduled for September 5, but Carranza said there would not have been enough available facilities or employees to start by that date. | It had originally been scheduled for September 5, but Carranza said there would not have been enough available facilities or employees to start by that date. |
| 7.41pm BST | 7.41pm BST |
| 19:41 | 19:41 |
| Yowza: @JJWatt's Houston fundraiser - which began with 200k goal - just passed $10 million. I spoke to JJ for @WSJ: https://t.co/i9Eqi44Iu1 | Yowza: @JJWatt's Houston fundraiser - which began with 200k goal - just passed $10 million. I spoke to JJ for @WSJ: https://t.co/i9Eqi44Iu1 |
| It’s crazy...It’s an unbelievable testament to the good of people. But now it’s a big task, trying to make sure this money goes directly to the people.” | It’s crazy...It’s an unbelievable testament to the good of people. But now it’s a big task, trying to make sure this money goes directly to the people.” |
| -JJ Watt | -JJ Watt |
| 7.33pm BST | 7.33pm BST |
| 19:33 | 19:33 |
| While Harvey may be raining itself out as it continues to push north and east across the US, it’s potential to inflict serious damage persists. | While Harvey may be raining itself out as it continues to push north and east across the US, it’s potential to inflict serious damage persists. |
| There is rotation in most of these storms and we continue to closely watch for tornado potential as remnants of Harvey move into north MS. | There is rotation in most of these storms and we continue to closely watch for tornado potential as remnants of Harvey move into north MS. |