Hurricane Harvey Claims Victims in Texas

The devastating Hurricane Harvey, which hit the state of Texas in the United States on Friday evening, has left at least two dead. According to reports, Harvey is the strongest storm to reach the coastal areas of the southern United States since 1961. The storm's wind speed reached 208 kilometers per hour at one point, and it is expected that heavy rains and "catastrophic" damage will occur in the storm-affected areas in the coming days. Local officials in Texas have asked citizens who have not evacuated to write their names on their arms so they can be identified in case of injury or death. Donald Trump, the President of the United States, described Harvey as stronger than previously predicted in a message on his Twitter account, while also noting the preparedness and coordination between local officials and the federal government to deal with it. The forecasts and preparations have somewhat eased the difficulties of relief efforts and actions by rescue teams, yet severe damages have occurred, and officials have warned about the hours and days ahead. The deaths of at least two people have been confirmed so far; one citizen died in his home due to a fire caused by the storm, and a woman lost her life while driving in the midst of flooding in the streets of Houston. The National Hurricane Center has announced that Harvey, which had a category four intensity, has weakened and has turned into a tropical storm with half the wind speed. Reports indicate that power has been cut off for at least 300,000 people, and half a meter of rain has fallen in many areas. Meanwhile, it is predicted that continued rainfall will lead to flooding and significant damages.