Harvey bill at $200b

TEXAS Governor Greg Abbott says damage from Hurricane Harvey would exceed that of epic hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, likely reaching $188 billion to $226 billion.

Harvey, which came ashore on August 25 as the most powerful hurricane to hit Texas in 50 years, has killed an estimated 50 people and displaced more than a million.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has asked Congress for an initial $9.86 billion for recovery efforts, which Mr Abbott called a “down payment”.