For Houston-area rescue workers and volunteers, a large part of the battle in saving individuals trapped by rising flood waters is finding them in the first place. However, if you’ve got internet access, you can use the Rescue Houston Google Map.
This collaborative Google Map shows pin points on a map of who needs rescuing following the devastating flooding of Hurricane Harvey. Each pin includes an address (or approximate address) along with a description of the people in need. This may include residents’ names, their situation, and phone numbers.
Some of the descriptions are simple—”3 people-1 pregnant, and 1 pet” is one listed at the time of publication. Others provide more detail (“85 yr old man stuck on 2nd floor of his home and water is rising!”). Blue pins mark people seeking aid, while red pins mark those needing rescuing ASAP. If you’re adding a pin to the map, you can also identify whether medical assistance is needed.
The map is not public, but you can access it here.
Harvey wreaked havoc in southeastern Texas over the weekend, dumping more than two feet of rain in some areas. With the recently downgraded tropical storm settling in over the Texas Gulf Coast, many have found themselves stranded by flooded roadways. While state officials recommended evacuating before Harvey hit, local Houston leaders told residents to stay put and wait it out. Now, a growing number of Houston residents are in need of rescue.
Updated rainfall totals from the past 4 days show widespread areas greater than 10" with a large swath over 30" #houwx #glswx #bcswx #txwx pic.twitter.com/6nlrf9DtJJ
— NWS Houston (@NWSHouston) August 28, 2017
And south of Houston, flash flood warnings persist as heavy rainfall is expected to continue through the end of the week.
The National Guard, FEMA, and federal troops have been deployed to help in rescue efforts. A number of civilians with boats are also jumping in to help their fellow Texans. Hopefully with the help of maps like this one, both volunteers and rescue workers can help those who need it most.