Night curfew declared in hurricane-hit Houston to stop looting
A night-time curfew has been declared in Houston, Texas, as the city battles the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. At least 20 people have reportedly been killed after the storm dumped record rainfall causing floods which destroyed thousands of homes. Large parts of Houston, America's fourth largest city, are underwater. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said the curfew was needed to prevent looting.
Why the curfew was imposed?
The curfew will last for an indefinite period but relief volunteers, emergency responders and those commuting to and from work are exempt. Mayor Turner said the curfew would prevent "property crimes" from being committed against evacuated homes. He said it was imposed "only to prevent potential criminal acts." Officials said there have been reports of looting, armed robberies, and police impersonations.
Hurricane Harvey most powerful storm to hit Texas in 50-years
Severe flooding has prompted thousands to flee their homes to find emergency shelter. Over 13,000 people were rescued from affected areas. The National Weather Service said a rain gauge in Cedar Bayou recorded 51.88-inches of rain, a new rainfall record for the continental US. Hurricane Harvey was the most powerful storm to hit Texas in over 50-years. It was downgraded to a tropical storm.
Trump says storm is of "epic" proportions
US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Corpus Christi, Texas, where Harvey first made landfall on August 25. He said: "This storm, it's epic what happened. But you know what, it happened in Texas and Texas can handle anything." The White House said Trump won't be visiting Houston as it may disrupt emergency rescue efforts.
Louisiana braces as Harvey once again makes landfall
Trump has declared a federal state of emergency in Texas and neighboring Louisiana, to make aid more accessible. Tropical Storm Harvey is expected to once again make landfall in Louisiana on Thursday, August 31. Meanwhile, the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, which commemorated the 12th anniversary of the devastating Hurricane Katrina on August 29, is bracing for heavy rain and flash floods.
