The citizens of Houston are finally experiencing some relief. The Forecast is calling for a break from the storm that has brought historical flooding, casualties, and displaced people from their homes. Though, the danger is far from over as of Wednesday.
About 18 people were confirmed dead and approximately 13,000 residents rescued within Houston and the surrounding suburbs and counties. People trapped in the ravaging storm were still struggling to escape from their flooded homes. Harvey is gradually moving towards southwestern Louisiana.
Devastating effect of Harvey
The situation was severe in Port Arthur, Texas on Wednesday close to the border with Louisiana, streets and homes were fast filling up with rising flood waters. Residents confused on how to cope with the situation. Sheriff of Jefferson County Zena Stephens told reporters that county resources were unable to get to Port Arthur due to the flooding.
The Mayor of Port Arthur, Derrick Freeman, told newsmen that his city had been flooded with water, but efforts were on ground to stem the situation. He advised residents to move to higher ground and avoid being trapped in the attics. Authorities say the number of casualties could be on the rise. Thousands of people have rendered homeless by the devastating flood which is now the most powerful tropical storm in the history of the United States.
Roughly 17,000 people are now refugees in temporary shelters provided by emergency management officials in Texas, and the number is expected to be on the increase.
Relieve effort for refugees
Louisiana Governor provided temporary shelter for thousands of refugees while Texas based televangelist Joel Osteen accommodated thousands in his Houston based Church of 16,000 capacity former arena, amid criticism on social media that he was not acting to assist people affected by the catastrophic storm.
Houston Mayor declared curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. on Tuesday following reports of massive looting. Police have warned that defaulters would be searched, questioned and arrested.
Forecasters say Harvey is expected to weaken but will move toward Louisiana before heading north. Tennessee, parts of Missouri and Arkansas are on alert following forecast for possible Harvey flooding in the coming days. However, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the city had requested additional food, and cots supplies from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for about 10,000 people.
