CORPUS CHRISTI (WBAP/KLIF News) – Governor Greg Abbott gave a brief update on Wednesday about the current situation in South Texas in the wake of Tropical Storm Harvey.
At least 22 people have died and more than 8500 people have been rescued since Harvey made landfall last Friday.
Abbott said while the rain in Houston has subsided, there are still tremendous challenges ahead.
“We are beginning the rebuilding process around the coastal bend region. While we are dealing with what is now receding waters in Harris County and the ongoing evacuation as well as safety rescue process, we’re now also dealing with catastrophic conditions in South East, Texas,” he said.
Harvey has moved on from Harris County but is still dumping rain in nearby areas.
“The rain that was received in the greater Harris County area has set an all-time record. Now that rain has moved to the Beaumont region in South East Texas. Approximately 15 inches of rain has fallen in that area and there is more to come. The worst is not yet over for South East, Texas as far as the rain is concerned,” said Abbott.
He said the Department of Defense has stepped in to help with rescue efforts and is sending around 200 boats and 200 vehicles to the area.
Meanwhile, 10,000 more National Guard troops have been sent to Texas to help the already 14,000 in the affected areas to aid with ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.
Shelters from Houston to Dallas have opened their doors to evacuees and the federal government has stepped in to help feed the hungry.
“There are more than 32,000 people currently in shelters in the state. Importantly, we have approximately 30,000 beds that are available for sheltering as needed. FEMA has already provided more than 5 million meals” said Abbott.
He acknowledged that the process of recovery for South Texas, especially Houston, will be a long one. Yet, Abbot said he thinks Congress will come up with more money for Harvey recovery than other recent mega storms.
“My recollection is that the Katrina funding was well over $100 billion. I want to say it was over $125 billion. So, if we go on a parallel standard it should be far in excess of that amount,” he said.
President Trump seemed to echo that sentiment on Monday. “You’re going to see very rapid action from Congress. You’re going to get your funding,” he said.
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