Texas governor calls for day of prayer

As Harvey’s misery continues to multiply, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called for a statewide day of prayer Sunday. Vice President Mike Pence traveled with Abbott to Rockport, Texas, on Thursday, where Harvey made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane nearly one week ago. Officials have attributed at least 30 deaths to Harvey, but they expect that toll to rise. Rescue crews are still pulling people from floodwaters in and around Port Arthur and Beaumont, where residents remain without drinking water. Administrators at one of the city’s two hospitals decided to evacuate about 200 patients by air to other facilities due to the water crisis. The other hospital, which has access to its own water well, is operating under “extreme emergency conditions.” City manager Kyle Hayes said he’s not sure when the city’s two water pumping facilities will be working again. Meanwhile, area residents are facing the possibility of gas shortages as about 20 percent of the region’s refining capacity has shut down due to the storm. Analysts warn gas prices across the state could rise by as much as 50 cents in the coming days, and gas shortages are spreading as far north as Dallas.

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