Catastrophic Flood Has Hit Texas And It’s Absolutely Heartbreaking

The worst hurricane in state history has struck Texas and has caused devastating flooding and storm damage.

Category 4 storm Hurricane Harvey struck the southern coast of Texas over the weekend and has dumped over 26 inches of rain in Houston and surrounding counties. Thousands of people took to rooftops and balconies to escape the rising waters, and rescuers are contending with over 6,000 calls for help. As of Monday morning, more than 1,200 people have been rescued.

Marco Luzuriaga captured the following drone footage of Houston:

YouTube/Marco Luzuriaga

This storm is already being called the worst hurricane to strike America in over a decade. The death toll has yet to be confirmed, though there are reports of at least five people having died due to the storm.

Officials are reporting that 30,000 people will need to be placed in shelters after floodwaters have forced many families from their homes. Over 2,500 people have already taken refuge in the George Brown Convention Center.

Families in flash flood areas are being advised to climb to their roof rather than shelter in their attic unless they have a means of breaking through the ceiling if waters rise too high.

The army is releasing water from two Houston reservoirs in an attempt to prevent uncontrolled water from flowing from the Addicks and Barker reservoirs. This water is being directed into Buffalo Bayou, which runs through Houston. The release of water will flood still more homes around the reservoirs.

Officials are also stating that flooding will be very slow to recede. The storm is currently in a lull period, but forecasters are cautioning that heavy rains and winds will pick back up on Monday evening and Tuesday.

The storm is moving inland and threatening areas north of Houston. Now, the threat of flooding seems to be growing for areas in Louisiana. According to the US National Weather Service, up to 25 inches of rain could hit the southwestern area of the state.

This is still very much a developing situation. Residents are being advised to seek updated information through local news broadcasts and to follow the advice of officials.

If you live in the Houston area, the sheriff’s office is asking for volunteers with boats to help in the rescue effort. Click here to donate to the relief effort through the American Red Cross.