Approximately 40,000 Homes Damaged in Houston by Hurricane Harvey

The executive officer of Harris County in Houston, Texas, says initial assessments indicate that between 30,000 to 40,000 homes have been damaged by flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey. According to Reuters, Judge Ed Emmett, the executive officer of Harris County, stated in a television interview, "The number of these homes may be higher. Until we can visit the neighborhoods, we cannot determine the exact damage statistics." Mr. Emmett added that some homes are "beyond repair." He noted, "We will face difficult months and possibly years ahead." After five days of heavy rainfall in Houston, flooding has now spread to other parts of Texas and Louisiana. Mr. Emmett mentioned that other areas of Texas have been damaged as much as Harris County. Meanwhile, the Associated Press reports that on Wednesday, due to many main roads being blocked by flooding, communication with coastal areas in southern Texas has become very difficult, and one of the temporary shelters for people who have become homeless due to the storm has been flooded. The deputy sheriff of Jefferson County stated that this temporary shelter in Port Arthur has been inundated, forcing residents to sit on chairs as about 30 centimeters of water has accumulated on the floor of the facility. He added that he is unsure if this population of about one hundred people will be evacuated. So far, at least 18 people have lost their lives due to Hurricane Harvey and the severe flooding that followed, 13,000 people have been evacuated in the Houston area, and more people are fleeing their homes due to the continued rainfall and the expanding flood. Hurricane Harvey began its path from the southeastern Texas coast on Friday, causing heavy rainfall that lasted for five days in Houston and surrounding areas. The second severe wave of this storm hit early Wednesday, this time affecting southwestern Louisiana and causing heavy rainfall. Meteorological forecasts indicate that Hurricane Harvey is likely to move towards Missouri, Tennessee, and Arkansas in the coming days. The weather service announced that finally, in the coming days, the skies over Texas will be sunny. Responsible agencies predict that the human casualty figures and the number of people who become homeless due to flooding will increase. So far, more than 17,000 people in Texas have sought refuge in temporary shelters, and the American Red Cross states that this number will undoubtedly increase. Currently, in the largest temporary shelter in Houston, about 10,000 people are living, which is double its normal capacity. On Tuesday, two other large centers were established for the accommodation of the displaced. The governor of Louisiana has expressed readiness to accept victims of Hurricane Harvey from Texas. In response to scattered reports of looting of homes and stores, the police have imposed a curfew from midnight to five in the morning and announced that individuals who violate the regulations will be stopped, searched, and arrested.