When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston on Friday, it was the biggest one to hit Texas in over 50 years – and the slow moving tropical storm is not over yet. Houston remains paralyzed by record rainfall, and Harvey has now spread to neighboring Louisiana. The storm has taken at least 22 lives so far, and forced 32,000 people out of their homes and into shelters.
The dangerous flood waters, however, have done nothing to stop a diverse army of volunteers, national guard troops, and community members from coming to the rescue of the victims. In times of need, it seems people from all walks of life have banded together to save every vulnerable woman, man, child and furry friend from the rising floodwaters.
Although many of these good samaritans’ efforts will go undocumented, at least some of them have been captured on camera for the world to see. Let these pictures of the volunteer efforts over the past week restore your faith in humanity.
This family escapes using a children’s pool to help their young ones.
These guys used their airboat to rescue mother and child from their home.
A man helping two young girls to safety.
Texas National Guardsmen carry vulnerable residents out of there homes.
Two volunteers search the streets for people in distress.
Officers from Houston’s neighborhood security rescue dogs and their owners.
Fellow Texans from nearby towns come with whatever they can offer to help.
This photo was uploaded to Instagram by @Zoeydollaz
A man rescues a stranded dog.
Volunteers take to the streets with their own boats to rescue flood victims and their pets.
It’s all hands on deck to ensure Houston’s stranded residents make it to safety.
There are ways you can lend a helping hand even if you can’t make it to Texas to join the rescue efforts.
You can donate to the American Red Cross, who is providing emergency relief on the ground. This includes shelter, meals and blood supply preparations for injured flood victims. To donate, head to their website or text HARVEY to 90999 to instantly donate $10.
Find out more ways to help here.