These Before And After Photos Show Just How Much Rain Hurricane Harvey Has Dumped On Houston

Texas Tribune

Hurricane Harvey is leaving Houston, the fourth largest city in America, in a bad state. These devastating photos illustrate just how much rainfall continues to impact the area.

According to the National Weather Service, Harvey has so far dumped 52 inches of rain onto the city, and according to NPR, this is a record-breaking amount for the continental U.S. It topped the record for the greatest amount of measured single-storm rainfall for the continental U.S.

The national record is topped only by Cyclone Hiki, which caused more than 52 inches of rain in Hawaii in 1950, the publication states.

hurricane harvey photo
Getty Images | Scott Olson

A total of 31 people have been confirmed dead as a result of Harvey and more than 30,000 will continue to be in need of shelter. Once you’ve seen the photos, you’ll understand why.

More than 50,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed as a result of the flooding.

A Reuters analysis is estimating that $24 billion worth of property has been impacted or destroyed. Images taken by satellite show at least 234 square miles of flooding in Harris County and 51 square miles of flooding in Galveston County.

It didn’t take long for areas to become inundated with water, either. The left photo shows what the area looked like on Aug. 26 and the left is the morning of Aug. 27.

Major roadways, including highways, are completely submerged.

This gif almost allows you to see the flooding happen in real time.

It’s crazy to see just how flooded everything became, and in very little time, at that.

The water comes over the bumper of this vehicle.

And businesses were destroyed.

It’s sad to see an area affected in this way.

We can’t even begin to imagine what this would feel like.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BYeCjAXARgU/?tagged=hurricaneharvey

RELATED: 8 Touching Moments From Hurricane Harvey That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity

If you’d like to aid in Hurricane Harvey relief, here are just some of the ways you can do so.

How To Help

Whether you’re seeing the devastation firsthand or watching on TV from across the country, it’s natural to want to help. However, Volunteer Houston reminds you not put yourself in danger while you’re helping others. That means don’t head down to Texas on your own. It’s best to either join an existing group that is already up-to-date on how to operate safely in the area, or to donate resources from afar.

1. Help The Red Cross

The American Red Cross is a vital source of relief after a natural disaster like this. They’re sending volunteers to Texas, where they’re providing shelter, giving out meals and preparing the blood supply. You can join the Red Cross by volunteering in person or by donating to the relief efforts.

To give a monetary gift, head to the American Red Cross website or text HARVEY to 90999 to instantly donate $10.

If you are able to go in person, the Red Cross is training volunteers all over the country before they deploy to Houston. Apply to become a volunteer online.

It’s always a good time to give blood, too, no matter where you live.

harvey photo
Getty Images | Joe Raedle

2. Sign Up With Volunteer Houston’s VIRTUAL Volunteer Reception Center

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, is sending people to this site to sign up and see what needs they can currently help fulfill.

3. Host Evacuees Who Need Somewhere To Stay

If you live near Houston, consider posting your place on Airbnb. You won’t make any money, but you will make a big difference.

“During and directly after a disaster, temporary housing for those who are displaced and for relief workers can be hard to find. Airbnb activates its community to support local and national efforts in addressing this need,” according to the company’s website.

4. Make Sure No Baby Goes Without a Diaper

The Texas Diaper Bank is helping local families affected by the flooding. According to WOAI, donations will help the organization create disaster relief kits that include the basics, such as diapers, for those in need.

RELATED: 8 Touching Moments From Hurricane Harvey That Will Restore Your Faith In Humanity

5. Help The Pets

Several animal welfare organizations are on the ground in Houston, because it’s not only people who are in need of temporary housing due to Hurricane Harvey. If you’re local, you can foster pets with Austin Pets Alive!, the SPCA or the Animal Defense League of Texas, or donate to the organizations to further their efforts.

harvey dog photo
Getty Images | Scott Olson

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About the Author
Augusta Statz
I have a B.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. I’m an avid writer with a genuine sense of curiosity. I feel the best way to absorb the world around you is through fashion, art and food, so that’s what I spend most of my time writing about.

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