DEVASTATING

Harvey Death Toll Climbs as Floodwaters Rise

Authorities confirm nine deaths but warn that figure is likely to increase.

Officials in Texas confirmed late Monday that at least nine people have died as a result of storm Harvey, with that number expected to rise as rescue efforts continue. Six of the victims were from the Houston area, while another was from Rockport, near where Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane late Friday. Another victim was killed in La Marque, near Galveston. As of Monday night, rescue operations in Houston were still in full swing, with rain expected to continue for several more days. U.S. Coast Guard Lt. Mike Hart said the Coast Guard was receiving “upwards of 1,000 calls per hour” from people in need of help. On Monday alone, he said, 3,000 people were rescued, both by air and boat. The city’s fire department and police department have also been involved in rescue operations, with police saving 1,000 people since Monday morning and the fire department getting 400 calls for rescues by Monday afternoon.