Counting the human and financial costs of Harvey

UPDATE: President Donald Trump issued a proclamation Friday declaring this Sunday a National Day of Prayer for those affected by Harvey. “I call on all Americans and houses of worship throughout the nation to join in one voice of prayer, as we seek to uplift one another and assist those suffering from the consequences of this terrible storm,” Trump said in the declaration.

OUR EARLIER REPORT (2:06 p.m.): One week after Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane, it has been blamed for 39 deaths and has destroyed or damaged more than 50,000 homes in Texas. The U.S. Coast Guard said it rescued more than 3,000 people from floodwaters in the past 48 hours. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said Friday morning it will take years for the hardest-hit areas to recover. As of Friday, about 325,000 people had already sought federal emergency aid, and Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said more than $57 million in individual assistance had been paid out thus far. Companies have pledged $141.3 million toward storm relief so far, CNN Money reported. President Donald Trump said Thursday he would donate $1 million of his personal wealth to recovery efforts. Meanwhile, concerns are rising about the effects of the storm on the Gulf Coast’s many chemical plants and oil refineries. Explosions rocked the Arkema chemical plant in Crosby, Texas, Thursday and the Environmental Protection Agency said it is contacting operators of plants and refineries to determine their status.

See “Harvey Relief” for information on organizations assisting victims affected by the storm.