Before Hurricane Harvey even made landfall in Texas on Friday, Hoosiers had already mobilized to assist the residents who would soon be impacted by the storm and related flooding, which as of Tuesday continues to affect coastal Texas.
Indiana Task Force 1, an organization comprised of fire and safety experts from the state, announced Aug. 25 at 12:13 a.m. that it had activated seven of its members to assist Federal Emergency Management Agency and Hazmat officials in the affected areas of Texas. The task force is based in the Indianapolis area.
The organization announced on its Twitter page Sunday that it was preparing to send its 14-member water rescue team to Texas. Houston currently faces significant flooding due to the city's intricate system of bayous that were constructed following the Civil War. It is sometimes called the "Bayou City."
The Midwest Food Bank, including its Indianapolis division, also contributed aid. The food bank posted on its website on Aug. 25 announcing that it would answer the Salvation Army's call for food assistance.
"This request for aid is unique in that it is made for a disaster yet to happen," the post said.
People can assist relief efforts by donating to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund, a part of the Greater Houston Community Foundation, which is a public charity.
GoFundMe has compiled a page of the many crowdfunding campaigns dedicated to Hurricane Harvey relief. Additionally, crowdfunding organization GlobalGiving has announced a $2 million goal for its relief efforts.
Jesse Naranjo
