Environment/Science
Environment/Science
Hurricane Harvey: Roads inundated, at least 2000 rescued

Just Earth News | @justearthnews | 28 Aug 2017, 05:11 am Print

Austin, Aug 28 (JEN): Inundated roads and submerged vehicles were a common sight across the US state of Texas, where tropical storm Harvey made landfall on Friday.

More than 2000 people have been rescued so far, with thousand others fleeing to a safer place.

The flooding has been termed as unprecedented.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has also sounded a flash flood emergency and said that travelling was nearly impossible across the Houston Metro area.

US President Donald Trump has hailed the spirit of the people while calling the calamity 'Historic'.

In his tweet, the US President said, "HISTORIC rainfall in Houston, and all over Texas. Floods are unprecedented, and more rain coming. Spirit of the people is incredible.Thanks."

The storm has also made around 250 roads inaccessible.

Many shelters have been opened, reports said.

"We are dealing with a triangle of ongoing rain, including Houston, Victoria and Corpus Christi cities," Texas Governor Greg Abbott told the media. "We will continue receiving incredibly heavy rain."

However, even as two deaths have been recorded so far, the Governor said he wasn't sure if it was due to the storm or not.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner has urged residents to stay indoors and not assume the storm is over.

"Don't get on the road. Don't assume this storm is over,' he said.

The Mayor has also instructed people to not call emergency services unless they feel threatened and need evacuation.

Both airports in Houston too have been hit by the floods.

While the Houston Bush Airport has cancelled all commercial flight operations until further notice, the Hobby Airport has been shut as waters flooded the runway.