There are already 30 people on the list of the dead. Over 10,000 have been evacuated to shelters. Experts calculated: in the disaster zone fell over a thousand millimeters of rain. For comparison, in Moscow, on the rainiest days in the summer, no more than 80 fell. In one of the districts of Houston, water began to overflow through the dam of the reservoir. There is a threat of an explosion at one of their chemical plants.

This is one of the most dramatic scenes filmed in Houston these days: people trying to get out of a powerful stream. And at some point it seems that they are doomed.

More than nine thousand people managed to be saved in Houston, which had gone under water. Sometimes help came at the very last moment, as in the case of one driver who spent several hours climbing onto a car in the middle of a muddy stream.

Rescuers try to pick up pets: hundreds of cats, dogs, rabbits. The story of one rescue bypassed social networks: photographer Ruarid Connelan saw a dog tied to a pole and could not leave the unfortunate animal to die.

About 57 trillion liters of water spilled over Houston. Another 23 trillion liters are expected in the next day. This is an absolute record in the history of the United States. It has already been calculated that 27 million Olympic pools could be filled with this water.

Both city reservoirs are overflowing. A crack has already appeared in the dam - a gigantic volume of water can fall on the city at any moment. Residents are sent a message: "Run immediately!" Emergency situation and at the chemical plant. There, all the power generators were out of order, including those that keep flammable substances in a safe cooled state. And now they can detonate at any moment. People are being evacuated.

The center, designed for five thousand people, has already accommodated 10 thousand. People are trying to provide the necessary - many of them fled from the elements in what they were, but there is still not enough clothes, water, hygiene products.

Already more than 17 thousand people are considered refugees. People have no other shelter than temporary shelters, organized by the authorities. Stadiums, various public areas are now being urgently converted into camps, because people continue to arrive.

In Texas, according to some sources, there are one hundred thousand people from the former Soviet Union many of them were affected. In social networks, our former compatriots share information, offer lodging for the night. They are one of the most active volunteers.

Evgeny Kisselman: "Let's accept a young family at the time of the floods."

Lina Ballerina: "I can accept a family, of course, completely disinterestedly."

Antony Plotnik: “You need to buy groceries, pull out a car, take your family out or something else, call freely.”

“A lot of people came to help, a lot of volunteers, ordinary people who have their own trucks, whose own boats ply all over the city, help, save. People are taken to shelters, and even we in our Russian center began to collect some necessary things. I get calls all the time from people who say they don’t want to help at all, send money to the Red Cross, we want to purposefully help our compatriots, ”says the head cultural center Sofia Greenblat.

Meanwhile, a curfew has been imposed in Houston. Cases of looting have already been recorded. There are detainees. Several shots taken with a surveillance camera. Unknown people rob the store. The damage done to the state will be enormous. Only cars will be sent to the landfill at least half a million.

“Probably never in the history of our country has there been anything so expensive. We've never seen anything as epic in terms of damage and ferocity as Hurricane Harvey. His name is quite harmless. It is misleading,” said Donald Trump.

The President of the United States, along with the first lady, arrived in Texas. Melania caused a stir in social networks. She went to the flood-stricken region in shoes with 12-centimeter heels. True, on board the first lady changed her shoes and went out already in snow-white sneakers. Everyone expected that the presidential couple would visit the temporary accommodation center for victims and talk to people. But the head of state limited himself to a photo session with the state flag.

The hurricane is due to hit Louisiana today. Millions more people will be in the disaster zone.

Hurricane Harvey hit the southern United States and flooded coastal counties in the states of Louisiana and Texas, including one of the country's largest metropolitan areas - Houston, as well as several nearby settlements. Entire residential areas and streets went under water.

Harvey has become the most powerful hurricane in the United States in the past 12 years since the storm Katrina hit the country in 2005, which almost completely destroyed New Orleans(Mississippi).

And Donald Trump tweeted that scientists agree that such a flood after a hurricane like Harvey happens once every 500 years.

2. All major TV channels broadcast live with dramatic footage from the flooded areas of the metropolis. The wind knocked down power lines and trees, tore off the roofs of houses and advertising structures.

3. They can bomb Iraq, but they are powerless against nature. (Photo by Mark Ralston):

4. The poor cow fights the flood. (Photo by Rick Wilking | Reuters):

5. A hurricane overturned a large truck. (Photo by Charlie Riedel):

8. An injured pelican asks for help on a highway in Texas, August 26, 2017. (Photo by Charlie Riedel):

9. The storage of boats and boats did not survive the meeting in Hurricane Harvey, Texas, August 26, 2017. (Photo by Adrees Latif | Reuters):

10. Experts from the Insurance Information Institute (Insurance Information Institute, III) also believe that losses from floods caused by Harvey could be no less than the damage caused in 2005 to Louisiana and Mississippi by the floods that followed the impact of Hurricane Katrina, considered the most destructive natural disaster in US history. (Photo by Eric Gay):

11. The total damage from Katrina is, according to various estimates, from $120 billion to $160 billion, but the cause of most of the losses then was strong wind. The damage caused by the floods is estimated at about $15 billion.

The damage caused to the United States economy by Hurricane Harvey will reach $100 billion. At the same time, less than a third of the cost of damages caused by Harvey will be covered by insurance. (Photo by Mark Ralston):

12. Experts also call a serious problem that most of damage caused to Harvey will not be compensated by insurance companies. According to Watson, payments will cover only about 27% of losses, while after Katrina, insurers compensated for about half of the losses. (Photo by Eric Gay):

13. Left without a home. (Photo by Adrees Latif | Reuters):

14. Fallen power lines. (Photo by Eric Gay):

15. Trump called the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey the strongest in the last 500 years. Houston, August 27, 2017. (Photo by LM Otero):

16. One way or another, the city got hard. (Photo by Richard Carson | Reuters):

17. Enthusiasts-rescuers take out motorists from sunken cars. (Photo by Richard Carson | Reuters):

19. A sunken cemetery in Texas. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski):

20. The passage is closed. (Photo by Mark Ralston):

21. Waiting for help. (Photo by Adrees Latif | Reuters):

23. Everything is serious. (Photo by David J. Phillip):

24. (Photo by Scott Olson):

29. Here it is, Hurricane Harvey and the flood after it. The consequences are yet to be seen. (Photo by Charlie Riedel):

On the general background Disasters happen in Houston and funny things happen. Last Friday, William Bruzeau went to the store: he was going to stock up on everything he needed to ride out the storm (a powerful hurricane Harvey was approaching the city). Mr. Bruseau left the car in the parking lot, and when he returned, he found a hawk in the passenger seat.

At first, he tried to drive the bird away, but to no avail. The hawk sat on the car door and did not leave. In the end, the taxi driver let him inside and took him home. Comments can be heard on the video: “The bird suffered an injury that prevented it from flying. She wouldn't have survived the storm if she hadn't been sheltered."

Powerful flooding covered the US state of Texas immediately after the devastating hurricane Harvey, which claimed the lives of at least five people. The blow of the elements has already been called the most powerful in the last 12 years. More than others went to the city of Houston: the townspeople either on the roofs or on the oars. The streets are busy navigation, and the authorities advise everyone to rely on their own strength.

Houston is now a lake city. People are walking along one of the few flooded streets, along which it is still possible to leave the city on foot. In the hands - children, animals. Almost none of the things. Storm Harvey took everything from them.

“I lived in an apartment on the first floor and lost all my furniture, all my belongings,” says a local resident.

Harvey attacks. South coast USA. On the first day, the wind swept across Texas at a speed of 60 meters per second, tearing the roofs off the buildings, on the second, a downpour fell. The flood paralyzed traffic in the city. A man is trying to leave the disaster area, but his car is blown away by a stream of water. Escaped through the window. The water level is such that you can no longer see road signs.

Shocking images from a nursing home in Dickinson. The water is up to my chest. Elderly people chained to wheelchairs are doomedly waiting for help. They were evacuated by helicopter, but the police have already reported that they will not be able to help everyone. Houston alone has over two million residents. A flurry of calls to the hotline.

“They are both handicapped, I tried to call for help to get them out of here, because I couldn’t handle it on my own. But help didn't come. I was told on the phone that the rescuers would arrive soon, but we did not wait for anyone,” says a local resident.

Hurricane Harvey killed five people. About forty more, according to news agencies, are missing. The Governor of Texas urged residents not to leave their homes, if there is no threat to life - to climb the roofs. They are followed by rescue boats. And he also asked me to get ready - the rampage of the elements continues.

“No matter where you are, on the street or in a building, climb as high as you can. Try not to go outside unnecessarily. Perhaps these showers will go down in history as the heaviest on record,” said Greg Abbott.

Those who have a boat leave on their own if it does not leak. Otherwise, you can end up with one oar on the roof of the car, and wait there until they pick you up.

“We just prayed. We prayed to God and were saved, so we are grateful for this,” says a woman with a child, wet through and through.

In Houston, two international airports are closed - the runways are also under water. The city is almost completely cut off from electricity. Storm "Harvey" is called the most permissive in the United States over the past 12 years. This picture has become his symbol on the Internet. A dog named Otis leaves the house with a bag of dog food.

The storm cleanup could cost the state $40 billion, which is a rough estimate today, but forecasters have a dire forecast. "Harvey" will rage until Wednesday and will probably bring more powerful tornadoes.

Image copyright Getty Images

Due to heavy rains brought to Texas by Hurricane Harvey, the water level in the reservoir rose to critical level, and water began to overflow the Addix Dam in Houston, state officials said.

Earlier, engineers had already begun to release water to prevent flooding of the areas near the reservoir. However, on Tuesday, according to the head of the headquarters for flood relief Jeff Lidner, the water rose above the maximum retaining level.

Houston has received a record 75 centimeters of rain over the past few days, the city's roads have turned into rivers

In Texas, where more than 30,000 people have already been forced to flee their homes, US President Donald Trump arrived on Tuesday to assess the extent of the disaster. As previously reported White House Trump is also likely to visit another flood-hit state, Louisiana.

According to the forecast of meteorologists, in the coming days in Texas, the flooding caused by Hurricane Harvey will only intensify. Heavy downpours continued for three days and, according to the forecast, the rains will not stop in the near future.

Houston authorities are preparing additional temporary shelters to accommodate flood victims. Mayor Sylvester Turner announced this on Tuesday.

According to the order of the authorities, federal agency for management in emergency situations should "as soon as possible" provide sleeping quarters and food for the 10,000 people affected by the floods in Houston and neighboring communities.

The George Brown Convention Center in Houston, which has been turned into a temporary shelter, can only accommodate 5,000 people. However, already on Tuesday, about 9,000 people were accommodated in it.

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Texans demonstrate heroism and unity in the face of the elements

Houston authorities have said they will provide addresses shortly. additional centers temporary accommodation for victims.

Brazoria County, which is south of Houston, has been declared an emergency evacuation due to the danger that the water in the reservoirs will rise to the maximum allowable level.

Hurricane Harvey, weakening to a tropical storm, made its way to Louisiana. The state capital, New Orleans, which was hit hard by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, is also bracing for flooding.

Mayor Mitch Landru has urged residents to stay at home and stay off the roads.

Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Houston has received a record 75 centimeters of rain over the past few days, the city's roads have turned into rivers

At least nine people died as a result of the storm, Texas officials said. The flood killed six members of one family, reported American media with reference to relatives, but this information has not been officially confirmed.

Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States, has not announced an evacuation of residents for fear that it could lead to chaos and death of people trapped in cars on flooded roads.

According to the authorities, thousands of people were rescued, many of them spent the night in a shelter organized in the city center for those left without a roof over their heads.

Image copyright Getty Images

Meteorologists warn that rainfall could double this week.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump promised to provide all needed help affected by the flood.

"The process of recovering from weather damage is a long and hard way, and federal government ready for it," the head of state said.

Trump said he discussed funding for flood relief with members of Congress because it would cost a significant amount.

Trump also announced the introduction state of emergency in Texas and Louisiana. This measure allows for emergency funding and other steps to deal with the consequences of the disaster.

Image copyright Getty Images

Hurricane Harvey was initially classified as Category 4, but as it moved inland, the category was downgraded to a tropical storm.

More than 3,000 people were rescued from Houston and the surrounding area. Helicopters evacuated people from rooftops.

Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States with 2.3 million people, and together with the suburbs, the population exceeds 6.6 million.

Image copyright Getty Images

The battle with the elements

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the deployment of all 12,000 employees National Guard state to participate in operations to rescue people and restore infrastructure.

The authorities are preparing to provide assistance to half a million flood victims, 30 thousand people left homeless will be placed in temporary shelters.

• From "Katrina" to "Harvey": have the US learned the lessons of 2005?
• "Nowhere to go": residents of the poor town of Rockport about hurricane "Harvey"
• Where nature becomes a killer

Of the two dams that control water streams main river Houston, an emergency water release was carried out: On Monday, authorities said they were opening the Addix and Barker dams, sacrificing some of the suburban homes that would be washed away to stop water from entering the city center.

The National Weather Service has warned Wednesday and Thursday of the worst flooding in last days, however, where exactly the water level will increase sharply is still unknown.

Image copyright Getty Images

Thousands of state homes were left without electricity. Many schools are closed, two major Houston airports are closed.

FROM THE SITE

James Cook, BBC, Houston

Entire suburbs were under water. Shops are closed, roads too. Both airports are closed. Moving around the city is now completely impossible.

Upstream, engineers are making an emergency release of water. They warned people living nearby to be prepared for flooding.

Some residents have been critical of the government's preparations for the storm, which gained strength in the Gulf of Mexico last week.

In one of the districts, residents reacted very angrily to the message that the authorities have not yet given them instructions to evacuate: they are afraid of nightfall and a rapid rise in the water level.

Forecasters predict that the neighboring state of Louisiana could receive the same amount of precipitation - up to 75 centimeters.

Image copyright Getty Images

In 2005 . Observers compare the state's current situation to that of 12 years ago.

Then the authorities decided to place people in the stands of the Superdome stadium. Some 30,000 people eventually gathered there, and conditions quickly began to deteriorate.