Hurricane Harvey caused floods and other problems in Houston, Texas and the surrounding areas. While the water was certainly the main issue, the hurricane was the source of many other problems that affected Southeast Texas for many days and will continue to impact the area and its victims for many days, weeks, months and even years to come.

The shelters

By Thursday, at least 34,000 people had been taken to dozens of shelters that included two very large convention centers, mosques, schools and at least 11 churches. A mattress store is also among the list of shelters as well as a bowling alley.

People became creative in helping others find a place to stay.

Damage was done to more than 93,000 houses. Nearly 7,000 of them were completely destroyed, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Unfortunately, about 80 percent of the homeowners did not have insurance on their property.

Causes of death besides water

At one point during the hurricane, a reporter said 52 inches of water had fallen, and it was enough to keep Niagara Falls running for 15 days. On Thursday, Jeff Lindner, of the Harris County flood Control District, said at the high point of the flooding, about 70 percent of the county's 1,800 acres was covered in 1.5 feet of water. That flooded land was an area larger than the state of Rhode Island.

People lost all their possessions, and at last count, at least 39 people lost their lives. However, all the deaths were not the result of rising water in their homes and cars. Officials said Andrew Pasek, 25, was electrocuted when he stepped on a live electrical wire in the water. Ronald Zaring, 82, was being carried away on a charter bus when he became unresponsive and died.

In the wake of multiple problems, a big one came about after a chemical plant in Beaumont, Texas was flooded, and an explosion was expected. People within a mile and a half of the plant were ordered to evacuate. About 118,000 people were left without drinking water.

Recovery promised

Other than donating $1 million of his own money, President Donald Trump has promised to do everything necessary to help Texas recover.

Vice President Mike Pence visited the area on Thursday and promised the same thing. He said everything would be done to rebuild the region until it is bigger and better than before even though the recovery effort is going to be great and will take a long time; however, the country is coming together in a united effort.
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