TX Reeling From Post-Storm Affects – 2

August 27, 2017 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

POST SUMMARY | State of Texas, known as The Lone Star State was hit extremely hard from by a Category 4 Hurricane (Harvey) that made landfall late evening on Friday, August 25, 2017. It was downgraded to a Category 2 later but not before the storm unleashed its fury of downpours.

This storm is due to produce ever more water than the areas can even hold flooding structures, infrastructures, threatening the State’s economy. The storm reached its peak intensity slamming into Rockport sustaining much of the extreme amount of damage. Many parts of the State have been devastated beyond recognition.

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” It is the first time since 9/11 that all 28 FEMA Urban SAR teams have been mobilized.”

– Jeff Stern, VA State DEM Coordinator

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DISTRESS CALLS

Call 9-1-1. The US Coast Guard says do not report Distress calls over Social Media. You must report by calling 911. Keep trying until you get through.

EVACUATIONS

Rosenburg, TX. Mandatory evacuations for homes on Huntington Road. Unknown if bridge into area will hold as river levels are rising. Bridge is only escape out of area. (Posted by RPD 2202 Hours CDT).

Bay City, TX. Mayor announces entire City is under a mandatory evacuation by 1300 hours on Monday, 8/28/2017, due to 10-foot flood expected. https://www.facebook.com/footstepsforthefallen/posts/645510148987649

Sugar Land, TX. Two LIDs are under mandatory evacuations. http://abc13.com/judge-mandatory-evacuations-for-two-sugar-land-lids/2349438/

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As of Aug 27, 2017, there is NO evacuation orders in place for the City of Pearland. (This was fake news)

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(Credit: Rosenberg PD)

RESCUE TIPS

What to Do to Be Rescued. The USCG is urging residents, people to be rescued to call the Houston # at 281-464-(4851) or (4852) or (4853) or (4854) or (4855). Get on your roofs. Tips: Stay calm; don’t panic. Don’t go to the attic as rescuers cannot see you. Get to high ground immediately. Mark the roof to be seen from the air. Wave sheets, towels to be noticed.

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Houston 911 received 56,000 calls (from 2200 hours Saturday, 8/26/2017 through 0100 hours on Sunday, 8/27/2017). During an average day, they usually handle about 8,000 calls.

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PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENTS

No Drones in Disaster Recovery Zones. TX Military Department has seen a rise of

Drone operators trying to get in on some action of their own, but did you know that it is extremely dangerous for those on the ground and in the air? Did you know it is illegal and can not only net you a ticket, but some hefty jail time? It is true. Here are some of the problems and where rescuers are working.

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FAA, DOD asking people not to fly drones in and around Houston, TX. There have been reports of close calls by pilots.

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CLOSURES

WB I-10. Westbound I-10 being closed at mile marker 655 or about 40 miles east of Seguin due to flooding. (TxDOT – Yoakum)

Ben Taub Hospital, MD Anderson. Shutdown as of 1913 hours CDT. These are the two trauma hospitals in the City.

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As of 0600 Hours CDT 8/27/2017, Houston TranStar logged 174 high-water road closures in the area. This included I-10, I-45, I-610, I-69, US 290, TX 225, TX 288, Beltway 8 and TX 3 in Galveston, Texas.

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HOW TO HELP

Volunteers Needed. City of Dallas, TX. http://www.voly.org/join/index.html

Boats Needed. Houston Police Department. Call 713-881-3100.

Blood Donations. Austin hospitals need blood donations at We Are Blood, A Blood Center in Central Texas. https://weareblood.org/

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Social media rumors tell of hundreds dead, thousands of rooftop rescues and millions of people stranded is #FakeNews.

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SAFETY

Boil Water Alert. City of Corpus Christi is under a WATER BOIL ALERT. Do not drink the water. Caused due to the Storm’s destruction. Effective 8/25/2017, until further notice.

American Red Cross. Safe and Well. Register today so your loved ones can find you, or use as a way to find those who may be missing. https://safeandwell.communityos.org/cms/index.php

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Turn Around, Don’t Drown campaign is critical in saving lives more than ever.

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Facebook Safety Check. Activated for this event. Log in to your Facebook page and register ASAP. https://www.facebook.com/safetycheck/hurricane-harvey-aug24-2017/about/

Emergency Alerts. Sign up for Pearland, TX Residential Alerts here –> https://www.pearlandtx.gov/residents/get-connected/e-alerts Government offices currently shutdown on 8/28/2017 and 8/29/2017 with a possibility of longer says their website.

Wading Through Flood Waters. AVOID DRIVING, WALKING through flood waters. 6 inches of swiftly moving water can knock an adult over. (NWS Houston)

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Incident Cooperators are those who act as Partners and as in this State of Emergency – work together on Federal, State and Local levels to ensure resources are able to assist the area’s needs of the government, its people, property and its communities. Due to the vast amount of resources, we apologize ahead of time if we missed anyone!

American Red Cross. 100’s of volunteers are/have traveled all over the U.S. to lend their time, talents and compassion to victims and evacuees.

LA Cajun Navy. State of Louisiana sending the LA Cajuna Navy.

TX Governor Greg Abbott

Houston OEM

Houston PD. SWAT team conducted several hundred high-water rescues and were still actively searching and conducting more rescue operations. (1713 CDT)

(Credit: Houston PD)

INTF-1 HAZMAT Support. Indiana Task Force 1 arriving in Katy (near Houston), TX. (1834 PDT)

LAFD TF1. 70 members en route says LAFD Fire Chief Terrazas.

MA-TF1. A FEMA Task Force is en route from Massachussetts and will soon joining others. (1810 PDT)

Miami-Dade Fire. FL-TF1 en route to Texas to assist with SAR effects in affected areas.

(Credit: MDFR)

National Guard. Multiple military trucks, Humvees and other vehicles that can tread water were seen driving down City streets.

New Jersey. SAR crews were deployed.

FDNY – NYPD USAR NY TF1. The Joint FDNY and NYPD USAR NY Task Force-1 deployed earlier today.

(Credit: FDNY)

PA TF-1. 40 members. Leaving the PA Fire Academy and heading to South Texas. (1917 PDT)

Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies. Hotline setup for people with Disabilities. 800-626-4959.

Sacramento Fire. USAR TF7 sends 14-member water rescue team. Crews drove 2,000 miles to their destination.

Salvation Army. Previously shipped extra pallets of water and food on 8/23/2017.

Save The Children. Setting up Child Friendly Spaces in evacuation shelters to help kids and families. DONATIONS. Text “HURRICANE” to 2022 to donate $25 to the “Save the Children’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund”.

TX State, Emergency Management Department Is the main hub of activity that will coordinate Federal, State and local resources pouring into their State.

US Coast Guard Heartland. The USCG is urging residents, people to be rescued to call the Houston # at 281-464-(4851) or (4852) or (4853) or (4854) or (4855). Get on your roofs. Tips: Stay calm; don’t panic. Don’t go to the attic as rescuers cannot see you. Get to high ground immediately. Mark the roof to be seen from the air. Wave sheets, towels to be noticed.

USCG makes sure no Family member is left behind. Rescuing pets and their people. (Credit: USCG Heartland)

WA TF1 Urban SAR. FEMA team from Pierce County, Washington State is sent to assist along with other FEMA units.

SHELTERS

American Red Cross Shelters. Shelter Locator here –> http://www.redcross.org/get-help/disaster-relief-and-recovery-services/find-an-open-shelter?utm_source=arctwitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=harvey

Harris County, TX. Compiled list of open shelters. http://readyharris.org/News-Information/Ready-Harris-News/Post/26637

Katy ISD. The Morton Ranch HS (MRHS) located at 21000 Franz Road 77449 and the Cinco Ranch HS (CRHS) located at 23440 Cinco Ranch Blvd, both in Katy, TX will be opening at 0730 CDT on Monday. They will be offering shelter, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to those in need. DONATIONS of blankets, pillows, towels will be accepted at either High School beginning at 0730 hours. SOCIAL MEDIA Channels are Katy ISD “OnTheGo” app. Website: www.Katyisd.org. Twitter: @katyisd

WEATHER TRACKERS

Storm Surge Tracker. The NWS created the first-ever operational storm surge watch. Twitter @NHC_Surge. https://twitter.com/NHC_Surge/status/900376620543823872 Shows the current conditions.

SOCIAL MEDIA

There are multitudes of photos, storm images and other unimaginative descriptions of what those are truly seeing, hearing and experiencing. We will share with you what they are feeling, see and what they are hearing. Some photos are copyrighted so we will try to explain the best way we can as to what is being posted out there in the Social Media world.

(Credit: USCG Heartland)

USCG Heartland. Sector Corpus Christi IMD members assess damage in Port Aransas, TX.

Disaster Assistance & Recovery Info. The City of Austin (TX) Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management have a wealth of info. Go to their site here –> http://austintexas.gov/help (8/26/2017 @ 0417 CDT

Gas Prices. National news media reporting gas prices are set to spike due to #HurricaneHarvey wreaks havoc on our vital energy facilities. It is time to focus on rescues and saving lives. This something that can easily be put back on the back burner.

Roadblocks. I-10 freeway is now closed due to heavy flooding. Police are using multiple cruiser to keep motorists out of harm’s way. A photo by a news media outlet shows mostly semis (approximately 8 semi rigs across and unknown how long the back-up is but there is no getting off this freeway by turning around.

Pet Rescues. Social media reporting dog rescues are coming in at 60 per hour.

Countries Pray for Our U.S. Texas. Canadian President: “Canadians are keeping the people of Texas in our thoughts – we’re ready to offer any assistance needed to help recover from this disaster.” – Justin Trudeau

Canton, Texas: At Least 5 Tornadoes Hit Area

April 30, 2017 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

Canton, Texas (Van Zandt County)

Disaster Incident Summary | Sources are saying that there were at least 5 tornadoes that touched down in Van Zandt County, hitting Canton the hardest. One tornado destroyed I-20 Jeep Dodge dealership tosses its cars into the air and leaving a path of its aftermath.

Other parts of Texas were also hit hard like Fruitvale, TX and others. We are working on getting additional reports on these towns and cities.

Damage Assessments | The NWS Fort Worth team is out today surveying the damage and will have a preliminary damage rating on Sunday.

“4 Confirmed Tornadoes: Latest preliminary map of likely tracks and other damage. Our storm survey will take days!” – NWS Ft. Worth

“Emergency Management reporting homes destroyed near Emory with injuries.”

“Emergency management reports multiple homes with major damage around Highway 69 and FM779 from earlier tornado.”

“I-20 east of Canton TX. Dozens of cars flipped; severe damage.”

(Image above is from last night’s Tornado activities – Courtesy: Internet)

Life Impacts | 5 deaths. 50 injuries.

INCIDENT COOPERATORS

Shelters | American Red Cross, First Methodist Church Life Center, USAR, ITDRC, NWS Ft. Worth, TX Task Force 2 (DFW), Dallas Fire with 1 Type III US&R Team 2, Texas Game Wardens (including search and rescue and K-9 teams),

LOOKING THROUGH THE EYES OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Here are some of the postings from Spotters, Weather sources and others talking about the Tornadoes and what they were seeing.

Storm Chasers | Weather

“Observed damage on TX Hwy 64, including one vehicle tossed approx 200 ft off the road. 1 confirmed fatality in that vehicle.”

“Emergency management report plywood falling from the sky near FM 779 and US69 near Golden. Folks – that debris is from ~25 miles away.” 1853 CDT

“Tornado 5 miles south of Canton has debris signature up to 13,000 feet. This is a MAJOR TORNADO heading right into Canton!” 1756 CDT

“Very strong tornado now 2-3 miles west of Tundra, 5 miles south of Canton – moving north at 30 MPH. Life-Threatening Situation!” 1755 CDT

“Significant Tornado 4 miles southwest of Tundra, moving north at 30 MPH toward Canton. Wrapped in rain and may be strong! ” 1752 CDT

” Confirmed Tornado Moving toward Tundra and Canton!” 1749 CDT

“Circulation near Canton has weakened while one approaching Eustace quite strong. Both remain capable of producing tornadoes.” 1719 CDT

“5 miles E of CANTON, TX @ 22:12 UTC Funnel>-Cone funnel half way to ground.”

” Possible tornado very near Highway 19 and Highway 64 just southeast of Canton. Very strong rotation indicated by radar.” 1707 CDT

“Damage from Canton, TX tornado is extensive. We are actively searching for people in the wreckage just south of town.”

Damage in Jackson Community in SW Canton, TX. Photo Credit: NWS Ft. Worth

“These are V E R Y powerful high-end tornadoes.”

“Significant tornado-caused damage southwest of Canton, TX”

“This is not what you want to see at night, radar confirmed tornado just NW of Cameron, OK. Debris signature evident.”

“Blizzard in Texas on April 30….How rare is this for Texas?”

” Search and Rescue continues in Canton and other communities.”

Residents

“Second tornado warning here in Canton TX. Taking cover with my boys. Hunkering down in the hallway way.”

“Tornado ripped through a Farm in Canton, TX trapping a pony in the debris. Owners frantically saved their baby!”

Eyewitnesses

“From 45 (5pm central) minutes ago near Canton, TX. Probable tornado touchdown due to damage spotted.”

“Just observed rain-wrapped tornado just E of Canton, TX. Lots of trees down, one barn had minor damage so far.”

“Wedge Tornado causes widespread damage in NE Texas south of Canton.”

“4:45 pm we crammed into bathroom shelter as first of many tornadoes went over us in Canton Tx. We were at the Trade Days.”

“Snowing sideways in Amarillo!! Yes it’s still April 29th!”

Media Coverage

“Damage at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Emory. No injuries, but there were people in parish hall when tornado hit.”

GOVERNMENTAL

“Texas Task Force 2 has been sent to help the Canton & Van Zandt areas respond to weather.” – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott

EVACUEES

Red Cross Shelter(s)

First Methodist Church Life Center, 600 S Buffalo, Canton, TX.

Mobile Feeding Station(s)

Salvation Army.

Tech Assistance

The ITDRC is on site identifying and assisting unmet tech needs in the community.

TX Resources

TX Disaster Recovery Group page created by the Texas Storm Chasers communities to offer help to each other after natural disasters in Texas. Examples include returning lost/lofted personal items to victims, offering volunteer assistance, etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/121556905065713/ Requires approved membership but is a Public Group.

Lost & Found Pets (Including Injured)

Ecuador’s Land Mass Shaken, Causes Massive Disaster

April 17, 2016April 17, 2016 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

JAPAN SHAKEN BY SEVERAL CATASTROPHIES

Japan has endured over 100-plus earthquakes since it was shaken by one such major event on Thursday, April 14, 2016, when a 6.2M struck at 2126 hours. Located 4.3 miles of Ueki and near the City of Kumamoto caused quite a bit of damage and up to nine deaths related to the earthquakes.

Several smaller quakes in the range of 4.3-5.9 continued several times a day on a daily basis. A second quake of 6.0M that has not been much covered by media or other agencies that occurred 3.7 miles East of Uto, Japan. The third and most destructive, as well as deadliest was a 7.0M that appeared as a major catastrophic quake with its epicenter 0.6 miles from Kumamoto-Shi on Saturday around 0125 Hours.

At the first glance, initial reports released said there were an additional 32 deaths on Saturday bringing the total to 41 killed.

The PM Office of Japan released a formal statement regarding the status of its infrastructure, search and rescue operations and many other significant events unfolding during their disaster recovery operations.

Approximately, 100,000 have been without power, while 105,000 residents are without gas and a total of 420,000 are without water. The Government reported they have been handing out water and other disaster supplies to residents. They were working diligently to get the basic water supply up and running again.

As of yesterday, the Japanese government reported 35 deaths confirmed and 190 have been severely injured. Those with minor injuries were said to be just over 800 people. Personnel from the government military forces, Coast Guard, police and fire agencies were said to be mainly focusing on the Village of Minamiaso due to reports of those trapped under many buildings, structures and homes.

Mount Aso was reportedly have erupted due to the second quake. No word other than its eruption has been reported so we are assuming it is not as critical as the main City which is the home to over 730,000 residents.

While Japan was working on Search and rescue missions all over their City, Ecuador was shaken by a very large Earthquake bringing to light many more injuries and deaths occurring.

ECUADOR GETS A RUDE AWAKENING

On the evening of April 16, 2016, a 7.8M earthquake violently shook Ecuador’s coastal town of Esmeraldas province.

The depth of the quake was recorded at a shallow distance of 19.2km but residents reported it as being a violent motion of shaking.

A tsunami warning immediately followed stating that tidal waves may reach 0.3 – 1 meter above tidal wave levels on the Country’s coastline. An alert was also issued for Hawaii (U.S.) PSTC and for Australia’s ATWC as well. No reports of large tsunami damaging waves in either three locations listed.

Photo Credit: United States Geological Survey – http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/us20005j32#shakemap, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48225555

A State of Emergency has been issued by the Government. Reports of roads being badly damaged, bridges collapsing and the water supply being greatly affected. This earthquake has been listed as one of the worst quakes since the last one in 1979.

Those working or living in buildings over 100 miles away in other Cities reported feeling them shake. No known reports of injuries occurred have been received. The death toll in Ecuador has reached 246 with two being from Quebec, Canada. Over 1550 have been injured.

Incident Cooperators are from Samaritans Purse, UNICEF providing water kits and tents, WorldVision, Ecuadorian Red Cross that has over 800 volunteers and staff on the ground providing health teams, hospital units, psychological support and first aid; hundreds are in SAR operations mode; 10,000 Ecuadorian military troops and 3500 Police Officers. The Red Cross in Spain and Peru are on standby if needed to assist the Ecuadorian Red Cross along with Mercy Corps.

AFTERSHOCKS TO CONTINUE

Expectations of additional aftershocks are normal, says the U.S.G.S. These can occur hours, days and weeks after the main earthquake. Aftershocks can cause additional building damage and falling debris that can seriously injure you. Both Countries are reporting a range of aftershocks occurring sometimes mutliple times during each day and on a daily basis.

SOCIAL MEDIA

#EcuadorEarthquake

#EcuadorEarthquake2016

Illinois State Governon Declares Multiple Counties Disaster Areas

November 19, 2013 / NW Fire Blog (TM)

CHICAGO – Governor Pat Quinn today declared seven counties state disaster areas after severe storms generating tornadoes and high winds ripped across Illinois. Hundreds of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed, hundreds of thousands of people are without power, and numerous roads throughout the state have been closed by fallen trees and downed power lines. At least six people are reported dead and dozens more injured.

Later today, Governor Quinn will inspect damage on the ground in some of Illinois’ hardest hit communities: Washington, Diamond, Gifford, Brookport and New Minden. Counties included in the Governor’s declaration are: Champaign, Grundy, LaSalle, Massac, Tazewell, Washington and Woodford counties.

“Yesterday Illinois was hit extremely hard by deadly tornadoes that left many in a great deal of pain and loss,” Governor Quinn said. “Although we are still receiving reports of massive damage to communities across our state, we want to make sure people are getting the assistance and resources they need as quickly as possible. As we pray for the families of those who have lost their lives and others who are injured, the state of Illinois will do everything necessary to help these communities recover.”

The state disaster declaration makes available a wide variety of state resources that can help affected communities respond and recover from the storms. The state of Illinois has personnel and assets that can be mobilized to help local government officials with disaster recovery, including such things as trucks, heavy equipment to remove debris, communications equipment and provide assistance with security and other public safety issues.

The State Incident Response Center (SIRC) in Springfield was activated Sunday afternoon and will remain operational as long as necessary. Liaisons from several state agencies are working with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) to coordinate the deployment of state personnel and assets to assist local governments in the affected areas.

The state has dispatched technical rescue teams to a number of impacted locations across the state, and provided emergency generators, light towers and communications systems.

More information about the state’s flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at Ready.Illinois.gov.

2013 The NW Fire Blog

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