This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/aug/31/texas-flooding-chemical-plant-harvey-live
The article has changed 16 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 4 | Version 5 |
|---|---|
| Harvey latest: Texas chemical plant braced for further explosions | Harvey latest: Texas chemical plant braced for further explosions |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| 8.40pm BST | |
| 20:40 | |
| 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 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.” | |
| 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. | |
| 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 | |
| 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. |
| 7.23pm BST | 7.23pm BST |
| 19:23 | 19:23 |
| Only round one? | Only round one? |
| Tropical storm Irma will likely strengthen into a Hurricane today and is en route for the Caribbean. Some of the forecast models for the storm have it heading right back into the gulf and the ravaged Texas and Louisiana coastlines. | Tropical storm Irma will likely strengthen into a Hurricane today and is en route for the Caribbean. Some of the forecast models for the storm have it heading right back into the gulf and the ravaged Texas and Louisiana coastlines. |
| #Irma is forecast to become a hurricane later today but remain over the tropical Atlantic through Tuesday: https://t.co/qVKxi93JYh pic.twitter.com/hBCD4Nnc30 | #Irma is forecast to become a hurricane later today but remain over the tropical Atlantic through Tuesday: https://t.co/qVKxi93JYh pic.twitter.com/hBCD4Nnc30 |
| “As we reach the midpoint of the hurricane season and with Hurricane Irma intensifying over the eastern tropical Atlantic, this is a good time for all of us to make some ‘halftime adjustments’. Find out your evacuation zone and plan your evacuation route today, go shopping now to restock supplies, and do everything you can to strengthen your home. | “As we reach the midpoint of the hurricane season and with Hurricane Irma intensifying over the eastern tropical Atlantic, this is a good time for all of us to make some ‘halftime adjustments’. Find out your evacuation zone and plan your evacuation route today, go shopping now to restock supplies, and do everything you can to strengthen your home. |
| Hurricane Irma is expected to become a major hurricane and threatens to affect portions of the Caribbean next week, and then we cannot rule out eventual impacts in the continental U.S. This is the reality of what we contend with during the peak of the season, one that has been forecast to be very active and with three more months to go. | Hurricane Irma is expected to become a major hurricane and threatens to affect portions of the Caribbean next week, and then we cannot rule out eventual impacts in the continental U.S. This is the reality of what we contend with during the peak of the season, one that has been forecast to be very active and with three more months to go. |
| -Dr. Rick Knabb Hurricane Expert with The Weather Channel | -Dr. Rick Knabb Hurricane Expert with The Weather Channel |
| 6.55pm BST | 6.55pm BST |
| 18:55 | 18:55 |
| Vice President Mike Pence is in Rockport, Texas survey damage sustained during Harvey. | Vice President Mike Pence is in Rockport, Texas survey damage sustained during Harvey. |
| .@POTUS' team @SecretaryAcosta, @SecElaineChao, @SecretaryPerry, @SecShulkin & Acting DHS Sec. Duke discussing #Harvey response on way to TX pic.twitter.com/NGTM1oTgLx | .@POTUS' team @SecretaryAcosta, @SecElaineChao, @SecretaryPerry, @SecShulkin & Acting DHS Sec. Duke discussing #Harvey response on way to TX pic.twitter.com/NGTM1oTgLx |
| Our Adam Gabbatt has more on the hypocrisy some see in his response to the disaster: | Our Adam Gabbatt has more on the hypocrisy some see in his response to the disaster: |
| ‘What you’re going to see is the national government – and we anticipate the Congress – are going to make the resources available to see Texas through the rescue operation, through the recovery,’ Pence told Houston’s KTRH radio station. | ‘What you’re going to see is the national government – and we anticipate the Congress – are going to make the resources available to see Texas through the rescue operation, through the recovery,’ Pence told Houston’s KTRH radio station. |
| It was a fairly standard statement from a politician during a crisis. But in 2005, when the House was weighing a $50bn relief package for Hurricane Katrina, then-congressman Pence was less effusive. | It was a fairly standard statement from a politician during a crisis. But in 2005, when the House was weighing a $50bn relief package for Hurricane Katrina, then-congressman Pence was less effusive. |
| ‘As we tend to the wounded, as we begin to rebuild, let us also do what every other American family would do in like circumstances and expects this Congress to do,’ Pence told the House. | ‘As we tend to the wounded, as we begin to rebuild, let us also do what every other American family would do in like circumstances and expects this Congress to do,’ Pence told the House. |
| ‘Let’s figure out how we’re going to pay for it. Congress must ensure that a catastrophe of nature does not become a catastrophe of debt for our children and grandchildren.”’ | ‘Let’s figure out how we’re going to pay for it. Congress must ensure that a catastrophe of nature does not become a catastrophe of debt for our children and grandchildren.”’ |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 6.59pm BST | at 6.59pm BST |
| 5.24pm BST | 5.24pm BST |
| 17:24 | 17:24 |
| The Washington Post is reporting that “amid the many feel-good stories about strangers helping strangers in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, a feel-bad story has almost inevitably surfaced: Scammers are using robo-calls to try to fleece storm survivors.” | The Washington Post is reporting that “amid the many feel-good stories about strangers helping strangers in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, a feel-bad story has almost inevitably surfaced: Scammers are using robo-calls to try to fleece storm survivors.” |
| The robo-calls tell people that their premiums are past due and that they must send money immediately or else have their flood insurance canceled. | The robo-calls tell people that their premiums are past due and that they must send money immediately or else have their flood insurance canceled. |
| “That is pure fraud. You should only be taking information from trusted sources,” said Roy E. Wright, director of the National Flood Insurance Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. | “That is pure fraud. You should only be taking information from trusted sources,” said Roy E. Wright, director of the National Flood Insurance Program at the Federal Emergency Management Agency. |
| Every natural disaster attracts unscrupulous contractors and outright con artists. They’re like disaster parasites, looking to exploit the pain and confusion of a catastrophe for their own profit. | Every natural disaster attracts unscrupulous contractors and outright con artists. They’re like disaster parasites, looking to exploit the pain and confusion of a catastrophe for their own profit. |
| “They’re storm chasers. We know they’re here. We’re know they’re coming. Scammers,” said Saundra Brown, who handles disaster response for Lone Star Legal Aid in Houston. | “They’re storm chasers. We know they’re here. We’re know they’re coming. Scammers,” said Saundra Brown, who handles disaster response for Lone Star Legal Aid in Houston. |
| 5.19pm BST | 5.19pm BST |
| 17:19 | 17:19 |
| The Associated Press is reporting that Congress is gearing up for a vote as early as next week on a multibillion-dollar down payment on relief aid for Harvey. | The Associated Press is reporting that Congress is gearing up for a vote as early as next week on a multibillion-dollar down payment on relief aid for Harvey. |
| White House and congressional aides said Thursday an emergency request to replenish rapidly shrinking aid reserves is coming from the Trump administration within days and that votes in both the House and Senate would quickly follow. | White House and congressional aides said Thursday an emergency request to replenish rapidly shrinking aid reserves is coming from the Trump administration within days and that votes in both the House and Senate would quickly follow. |
| Members of the Texas and Louisiana delegation are pressing for immediate action when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next week from their summer recess, and they have pledges from top GOP leaders such as Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., that the House will quickly respond. McCarthy told lawmakers from Texas and Louisiana on a conference call late Wednesday that “we are with you.” | Members of the Texas and Louisiana delegation are pressing for immediate action when lawmakers return to Capitol Hill next week from their summer recess, and they have pledges from top GOP leaders such as Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., that the House will quickly respond. McCarthy told lawmakers from Texas and Louisiana on a conference call late Wednesday that “we are with you.” |
| The Federal Emergency Management Agency is spending existing disaster aid reserves just $2.3 billion as of Wednesday at a high rate.“The president has made very clear that he is here to help and has made very clear he will do what is needed whether it is to implore Congress next week to come up with the funding for those who are affected,” White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Thursday on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends.” | The Federal Emergency Management Agency is spending existing disaster aid reserves just $2.3 billion as of Wednesday at a high rate.“The president has made very clear that he is here to help and has made very clear he will do what is needed whether it is to implore Congress next week to come up with the funding for those who are affected,” White House counselor Kellyanne Conway said Thursday on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends.” |
| One concern, however, is that the government’s cash reserves are running low since the nation’s debt limit has been reached and the Treasury Department is using accounting measures to cover expenses. Billions of dollars in Harvey aid are an unexpected cost that at least raises the potential that Congress will have to act earlier than expected to increase the government’s borrowing authority.The initial aid money would be a down payment for immediate recovery efforts to be followed by larger packages later on. It will take weeks or months to assess the full extent of the damage and the needs. | One concern, however, is that the government’s cash reserves are running low since the nation’s debt limit has been reached and the Treasury Department is using accounting measures to cover expenses. Billions of dollars in Harvey aid are an unexpected cost that at least raises the potential that Congress will have to act earlier than expected to increase the government’s borrowing authority.The initial aid money would be a down payment for immediate recovery efforts to be followed by larger packages later on. It will take weeks or months to assess the full extent of the damage and the needs. |
| 5.06pm BST | 5.06pm BST |
| 17:06 | 17:06 |
| EPA director Scott Pruitt issued a statement this morning about the ongoing situation at the Arkema chemical plant is Crosby. | EPA director Scott Pruitt issued a statement this morning about the ongoing situation at the Arkema chemical plant is Crosby. |
| EPA has emergency response personnel on the scene and the Agency is currently reviewing data received from an aircraft that surveyed the scene early this morning. This information indicates that there are no concentrations of concern for toxic materials reported at this time. | EPA has emergency response personnel on the scene and the Agency is currently reviewing data received from an aircraft that surveyed the scene early this morning. This information indicates that there are no concentrations of concern for toxic materials reported at this time. |
| “We will consider using any authority we have to further address the situation to protect human health and the environment.” | “We will consider using any authority we have to further address the situation to protect human health and the environment.” |
| 5.04pm BST | 5.04pm BST |
| 17:04 | 17:04 |
| Lines are beginning to form outside stores in Beaumont where both the primary and backup water supply sources have now gone down. | Lines are beginning to form outside stores in Beaumont where both the primary and backup water supply sources have now gone down. |
| The city of Beaumont — which is home to roughly 120,000 people — has lost its water supply. https://t.co/cJHe9OzzxP pic.twitter.com/INPOyhQLEl | The city of Beaumont — which is home to roughly 120,000 people — has lost its water supply. https://t.co/cJHe9OzzxP pic.twitter.com/INPOyhQLEl |
| 4.52pm BST | 4.52pm BST |
| 16:52 | 16:52 |
| Rory Carroll | Rory Carroll |
| With the stench from stagnant waters hanging over parts of the city the Houston health department urged residents to take precautions to minimise contamination and disease. “Practice good hygiene such as hand washing after any contact with #Harvey floodwaters,” it tweeted. “Do not eat any food that came in contact with #Harvey floodwaters. When in doubt, throw it out.” | With the stench from stagnant waters hanging over parts of the city the Houston health department urged residents to take precautions to minimise contamination and disease. “Practice good hygiene such as hand washing after any contact with #Harvey floodwaters,” it tweeted. “Do not eat any food that came in contact with #Harvey floodwaters. When in doubt, throw it out.” |
| Regular trash collection was due to resume on Thursday but the the Houston Chronicle warned readers that the public health threat was just beginning. | Regular trash collection was due to resume on Thursday but the the Houston Chronicle warned readers that the public health threat was just beginning. |
| “From the bacteria, viruses, and fungi harbored in floodwaters to new breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes to a potentially staggering mental health toll inflicted on those hardest hit by Harvey, the risks are expected to be great,” it said, citing public health experts. | “From the bacteria, viruses, and fungi harbored in floodwaters to new breeding grounds for disease-carrying mosquitoes to a potentially staggering mental health toll inflicted on those hardest hit by Harvey, the risks are expected to be great,” it said, citing public health experts. |
| Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city remained calm. “No city curfew citations or arrests for a second night in a row. Thank you Houston for your understanding and cooperation,” he tweeted. | Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city remained calm. “No city curfew citations or arrests for a second night in a row. Thank you Houston for your understanding and cooperation,” he tweeted. |
| Overnight police rescued 18 people from floodwaters, he said. “Crisis ebbing but far from over.” | Overnight police rescued 18 people from floodwaters, he said. “Crisis ebbing but far from over.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.52pm BST | at 4.52pm BST |
| 4.45pm BST | 4.45pm BST |
| 16:45 | 16:45 |
| Rory Carroll | Rory Carroll |
| Rory Carroll has been inside the Houston convention centre talking to folks stranded by Harvey. Here’s some of what he’s heard: | Rory Carroll has been inside the Houston convention centre talking to folks stranded by Harvey. Here’s some of what he’s heard: |
| Enrique Martinez, 29, office administrator | Enrique Martinez, 29, office administrator |
| “Our house and car got flood, no power or water, so we came here on Monday. The first night only my grandmother had a cot, the rest of us slept on the floor. | “Our house and car got flood, no power or water, so we came here on Monday. The first night only my grandmother had a cot, the rest of us slept on the floor. |
| “She needs dialysis so we’re leaving today for my uncle’s house. It’ll be easier to get her medical treatment from there.” | “She needs dialysis so we’re leaving today for my uncle’s house. It’ll be easier to get her medical treatment from there.” |
| Aaron Reynolds, 30, entrepreneur | Aaron Reynolds, 30, entrepreneur |
| “This shelter is fucked up. There were people having sex two cots down from me. Bed bugs. And fleas from people’s dogs. I got bit all over. | “This shelter is fucked up. There were people having sex two cots down from me. Bed bugs. And fleas from people’s dogs. I got bit all over. |
| “And you can’t go out at night. It’s like prison. I’m moving to a hotel today.” | “And you can’t go out at night. It’s like prison. I’m moving to a hotel today.” |
| Dimon Brody, 22, student and leasing consultant | Dimon Brody, 22, student and leasing consultant |
| “I’ve been volunteering at the information desk, giving people maps, telling them where to go, what’s happening. It’s been challenging. | “I’ve been volunteering at the information desk, giving people maps, telling them where to go, what’s happening. It’s been challenging. |
| “Last night a man had a seizure. We put him in the recovery position until paramedics arrived. Overall it’s been enjoyable. I like giving back to people in need.” | “Last night a man had a seizure. We put him in the recovery position until paramedics arrived. Overall it’s been enjoyable. I like giving back to people in need.” |
| Charlene Hamilton, 58, retired nurse | Charlene Hamilton, 58, retired nurse |
| “When I woke on Sunday the water was up to my chest. I’ve got arthritis but I was able to get out the living room window with some help. I’m blessed to be alive. | “When I woke on Sunday the water was up to my chest. I’ve got arthritis but I was able to get out the living room window with some help. I’m blessed to be alive. |
| “Everyone here is helpful and nice, they’re wonderful. I’ve no flood insurance but as long as I keep focusing on the Lord I know I can make it through this. I lost stuff but stuff can be replaced. I still have my life.” | “Everyone here is helpful and nice, they’re wonderful. I’ve no flood insurance but as long as I keep focusing on the Lord I know I can make it through this. I lost stuff but stuff can be replaced. I still have my life.” |
| Read more: | Read more: |
| 4.13pm BST | 4.13pm BST |
| 16:13 | 16:13 |
| Rory Carroll | Rory Carroll |
| Our Rory Carroll reports that, in part of Harvey-battered Houston, dry land, normalcy and hope are finally coming back in view: | Our Rory Carroll reports that, in part of Harvey-battered Houston, dry land, normalcy and hope are finally coming back in view: |
| “It’s dry as far as you can see,” said Liz Spencer, 64, an artist, who viewed a panorama from a skyscraper’s 45th floor. She was now out walking with her nine-year-old granddaughter Ivy and had just scooped up some litter. “This feels like the start of getting back to a normal state of affairs.” | “It’s dry as far as you can see,” said Liz Spencer, 64, an artist, who viewed a panorama from a skyscraper’s 45th floor. She was now out walking with her nine-year-old granddaughter Ivy and had just scooped up some litter. “This feels like the start of getting back to a normal state of affairs.” |
| The mayor, Sylvester Turner, struck a similar tone at a news conference, calling for the city to return to routine as swiftly as possible. Airports were due to reopen with limited service later on Wednesday and schools will reopen on 5 September, he said. “Let’s play ball, let’s keep moving.” | The mayor, Sylvester Turner, struck a similar tone at a news conference, calling for the city to return to routine as swiftly as possible. Airports were due to reopen with limited service later on Wednesday and schools will reopen on 5 September, he said. “Let’s play ball, let’s keep moving.” |
| It was a marked contrast to the mayhem Harvey’s second landfall was unleashing on Port Arthur a hundred miles east and to the widespread devastation in outlying areas of Houston, where aerial footage showed entire communities still submerged. | It was a marked contrast to the mayhem Harvey’s second landfall was unleashing on Port Arthur a hundred miles east and to the widespread devastation in outlying areas of Houston, where aerial footage showed entire communities still submerged. |
| Grim news will continue to unfold as waters recede, revealing more bodies – the official death toll stood at 23 – and the scale of damage. Some analysts estimate it will exceed $100bn. | Grim news will continue to unfold as waters recede, revealing more bodies – the official death toll stood at 23 – and the scale of damage. Some analysts estimate it will exceed $100bn. |
| Yet downtown Houston, which this week celebrates its 181st birthday, was already showing the first, halting steps towards recovery, or at least normality. | Yet downtown Houston, which this week celebrates its 181st birthday, was already showing the first, halting steps towards recovery, or at least normality. |
| 4.06pm BST | 4.06pm BST |
| 16:06 | 16:06 |
| Texas chemical plant officials expect eight more explosions | Texas chemical plant officials expect eight more explosions |
| Good morning. Jamiles Lartey here with our continuing coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. We’re leading off with the situation at the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas. | Good morning. Jamiles Lartey here with our continuing coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. We’re leading off with the situation at the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas. |
| Early on Thursday morning a trailer containing liquid organic peroxide compounds caught fire, sending thick plumes of acrid black smoke into the air and forcing 14 sheriff’s deputies who responded to hospital with smoke inhalation injuries. All but two had been released as of Thursday morning. | Early on Thursday morning a trailer containing liquid organic peroxide compounds caught fire, sending thick plumes of acrid black smoke into the air and forcing 14 sheriff’s deputies who responded to hospital with smoke inhalation injuries. All but two had been released as of Thursday morning. |
| In a press conference around 8.30am local time an Arkema executive said that given the condition of the plant, the company fully expected the remaining eight trailers to experience similar combustion events. The compounds require cooling to remain stable and Arkema has seen four levels of cooling redundancy go down due to floodwater according to a spokesman. | In a press conference around 8.30am local time an Arkema executive said that given the condition of the plant, the company fully expected the remaining eight trailers to experience similar combustion events. The compounds require cooling to remain stable and Arkema has seen four levels of cooling redundancy go down due to floodwater according to a spokesman. |
| “We believe that the safest thing to do is to allow the other eight containers to degrade and burn,” said Rich Rennard, an Arkema executive. “These things can burn very quickly and very violently and it would not be unusual for them to explode.” | “We believe that the safest thing to do is to allow the other eight containers to degrade and burn,” said Rich Rennard, an Arkema executive. “These things can burn very quickly and very violently and it would not be unusual for them to explode.” |
| In the press conference, Harris County law enforcement officials explained that they were enforcing a 1.5 mile evacuation zone around the plant, going door to door and asking residents to leave. | In the press conference, Harris County law enforcement officials explained that they were enforcing a 1.5 mile evacuation zone around the plant, going door to door and asking residents to leave. |
| There was confusion during the press conference as local law enforcement and the Arkema executive offered different take on exactly what kind of public health impact the compromised organic peroxides might have. Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez and fire marshal Bob Royall initially indicated that the smoke and any related fumes were non-toxic and would be no more or less dangerous to inhale than that from a BBQ pit or a campfire. | There was confusion during the press conference as local law enforcement and the Arkema executive offered different take on exactly what kind of public health impact the compromised organic peroxides might have. Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez and fire marshal Bob Royall initially indicated that the smoke and any related fumes were non-toxic and would be no more or less dangerous to inhale than that from a BBQ pit or a campfire. |
| Pressed on the same question, Rennard refused to agree with that assessment. | Pressed on the same question, Rennard refused to agree with that assessment. |
| “I heard the comment,” Rennard said. “I don’t want to make any comparison on the kind of smoke that’s coming from our fire. The smoke is noxious. Toxicity is relative thing.” | “I heard the comment,” Rennard said. “I don’t want to make any comparison on the kind of smoke that’s coming from our fire. The smoke is noxious. Toxicity is relative thing.” |
| Updated | Updated |
| at 4.07pm BST | at 4.07pm BST |