Moments ago, in response to the devastation from hurricane Harvey, Texas Governor Abbott announced he is activating the entire Texas National Guard, bringing the total number of deployed guardsman to roughly 12,000. These National Guardsman will assist in the ongoing search and rescue effort for any Texans in immediate danger, and will be heavily involved in the extensive recovery effort in the aftermath of the storm.
°It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm," said Govemor Abbott. The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway. I would like to thank FEMA Administrator Brock Long, as well as all our brave first responders for their hard work in helping those impacted by this terrible storm."
Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General, said that "we will not rest until we have made every effort to rescue all those in harm's way. We will remain here as long as we are needed. I want to thank Govemor Abbott for his continued leadership and look forward to serving the great people of Texas."
As reported earlier, more than 30,000 people are expected to be placed temporarily in shelters, FEMA Administrator Brock Long said at a news conference on Monday. The George Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston now has about 2,500 people, up from 1,000 last night, as people continue to arrive at the center.
Wendy Rom, 24, was among those taking refuge at the center with her husband and 1 1/2-year-old daughter. "The water was high, entering our house," she told Reuters, "so we moved to the second floor but they started evacuating the neighborhood so I came with my whole family."
Dallas, 240 miles (386 km) north of Houston, also was setting up a "mega shelter" at its convention center to house 5,000 evacuees, the city said in a statement.
As also reported previously, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said Monday that it was releasing water from two nearby reservoirs into Buffalo Bayou, the primary body of water running through Houston.
"If we dont begin releasing now, the volume of uncontrolled water around the dams will be higher and have a greater impact on the surrounding communities," said Colonel Lars Zetterstrom, Galveston district commander of the Corps.
The full Abbott statement, which judging by the number of grammatical errors was clearly rushed, is below:
Governor Abbott Activates Entire Texas National Guard In Response To Hurricane Harvey Devastation
Governor Greg Abbott today announced he has activated the entire Texas National Guard in response to Hurricane Harvey, bringing the total number of deployed guardsman to roughly 12,000. These National Guardsman will assist in the ongoing search and rescue effort for any Texans in immediate danger, and will be heavily involved in the extensive recovery effort in the aftermath of the storm.
°It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm," said Govemor Abbott. The Texas National Guard is working closely with FEMA and federal troops to respond urgently to the growing needs of Texans who have fallen victim to Hurricane Harvey, and the activation of the entire Guard will assist in the efforts already underway. I would like to thank FEMA Administrator Brock Long, as well as all our brave first responders for their hard work in helping those impacted by this terrible storm."
"While this is still a dangerous situation with a long response effort ahead, the state and people of Texas are resilient," said FEMA Administrator Brock Long. °FEMA was here before the storm hit, and we will be here as long as needed, actively coordinating the full resources of the federal government, to support Gov. Abbott and the state."
"The men and women of the Texas National Guard are working around the clock to support all relief efforts from Hurricane Harvey," said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General. "We will not rest until we have made every effort to rescue all those in harm's way. We will remain here as long as we are needed. I want to thank Govemor Abbott for his continued leadership and look forward to serving the great people of Texas."
The Texas Guard currently has approximately 3,000 personnel activated and mobilized for operations relating to Hurricane Harvey rescue and recovery. This new mobilization by Govemor Abbott send those who are physically able, not currently deployed, preparing to deploy or in a combat preparation cycle to answer the call for help and assist their fellow Texans in need. All Texas Military Department personnel should report to their respective units for further instructions.