Houston, Texas is faced with its worst natural disaster ever as the catastrophic flooding resulting from the tropical storm Harvey which has wreaked havoc on the city. Residents of one of the most populous cities in the United States have been forced to flee their homes in anticipation of prolonged unprecedented rainfall and severe flooding.
Harvey which is the most powerful hurricane to hit the oil rich state of Texas in more than five decades has claimed at least two lives as of Sunday. The number of death is expected to be on the increase as the flooding and storm trigger more tornadoes and tidal surges.
Unprecedented flooding
Roads have been turned into rivers by the Severe Storm which has resulted in an unprecedented flooding as channels and rivers overflowed their banks to some streets in Houston. On Sunday, the National Weather Service released data indicating that more than 26 inches, approximately 66cm, of rain had fallen in most parts of the city of Houston in the last 48 hours.
Hurricane Harvey hits the heart of U.S. oil and gas industry which has led to the shutting down of several refineries. Rigs and offshore platform workers have been evacuated. About 11 percent of America’s refining capacity has been cut-shot and nearly a quarter of oil production in the Gulf of Mexico has also been halted as a result of the devastating hurricane.
The weather forecast indicates that total precipitation could reach as high as 50 inches, approximately 127cm, the peak of Harvey was around 170 km, around 105 miles, from the city of Houston. Floodwaters have increasingly risen in parts of Texas. Emergency services asked the about 2.3 million residents of the city of Houston to climb onto the top or roofs of their houses if it calls for that.
President Trump's visit
However, a statement from the White House on Sunday said President Donald Trump is expected to visit Texas on Tuesday to personal survey damage from the storm. This is the first big natural disaster Trump is facing since assuming office in January. On Friday, he signed a disaster proclamation that triggers federal relief move.
On Sunday, Texas Governor Abbott said he had declared state disaster areas in 54 counties.
Residents of Houston and other areas affected by the storm in Texas were advised against leaving their homes, even in the presence of flood, because almost all the major roads were impassable.
On Sunday Commercial flights at the William P. Hobby Airport and the Houston, George Bush Intercontinental Airport were halted. About 1500 flights to and fro Houston were canceled as a result of the storm.
