Cost to state of lost lives and property is expected to rise
The effects of Tropical Storm Harvey continue to make headlines around the world. Tragedy and financial loss on a personal and federal level are considerable, with both tolls expected to rise.
More than 200,000 people have registered for emergency financial aid. The US federal emergency management agency has dispersed more than $35 million (Dh128.5m). Charities and other federal, state and local agencies are also offering aid. Officials estimate that as many as 500,000 people will seek help from the federal government.
Damage costs for the 50 counties that authorities say have been affected could range between $48 billion and $75bn, according to analysts at Enki Research. That would put Harvey among the top five costliest storms in US history. Much of the damage will not be covered by insurance, as flood coverage can be difficult or too costly.
In Houston, rescuers recovered the bodies of six family members from a van that was swept away by the floods at the weekend. Manuel and Belia Saldivar and four of their great-grandchildren – Devy, Dominic, Xavier and Dais, ranging in age from six to 16 – went missing on Sunday as they were attempting to escape rising waters. “We have confirmed six dead here at the scene inside the van,” said Harris County sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “Our worst fears have been realised.”
H-E-B, a grocery chain based in San Antonio, Texas, closed its shops and sent out a convoy of disaster relief vehicles to take aid, including mobile kitchens and pharmacies, to Victoria, Texas.
About 34 trillion litres of water fell on the Houston region between Saturday and Monday. That equates to the volume of water that tumbles over Niagara Falls in 15 days, said meteorologists from the national weather service.
In Beaumont, a town east of Houston, Tyler county judge Jacques Blanchette warned residents living hear the Neches River after the army corps of engineers opened floodgates on the swollen river. “Anyone who chooses to not heed this directive to evacuate cannot expect to be rescued and should write their social security numbers in permanent marker on their arm so their bodies can be identified. The loss of life and property is certain,” Mr Blanchette wrote on the county’s Facebook page.
Secretary of state Rex Tillerson put aside controversy over US plans to build a wall on its southern border and thanked Mexico for its offer of aid. Mr Tillerson, a Texan, made his comments during talks on trade and security with Mexican foreign minister Luis Videgaray. “They’ve offered a wide range of assistance ... it’s very generous of the government of Mexico to offer their help at this very, very challenging time for our citizens in Texas and now moving towards the border of Louisiana as well,” he said.
New Orleans, which endured Hurricane Katrina 12 years ago, is bracing itself for an onslaught from the weather. City hall, universities, colleges and many schools have been closed since Tuesday.