Texas deploys 3,000 state and national guard troops amid catastrophic flooding

The state's governor said Harvey is the strongest storm Texas has had since 1961

A family evacuates their Meyerland home near S. Braeswood (AP)

Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, has said the state has activated 3,000 National Guard and State Guard members to aid rescue efforts for flood victims of Tropical Storm Harvey.

Harvey, which was downgraded from a hurricane to a tropical storm over the weekend, has brought unprecedented and catastrophic flooding to the southeastern region of Texas, according to the National Weather Service and state officials.

“We are dealing with a triangle of ongoing rain, including Houston, Victoria and Corpus Christi cities. We will continue receiving incredibly heavy rain,” Mr Abbott said at a news conference in Austin. Along with the guard, he said 500 vehicles and 14 aircraft have been put into service.

He added that the federal government has quickly responded to “provide all of the aid that Texas has needed.”

Mr Abbott has made a state disaster declaration for 50 counties, and a federal disaster declaration for 18 counties. He said he expects these numbers to rise.

The National Weather Service has said that some parts of Houston may receive a Texas record of 50 inches (1,270 millimeters) of rain.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett asked members of the public who have a boat or a high water vehicle to help with efforts to rescue Houston residents whose homes have flooded in the torrential rains.

Rising floodwaters from Harvey have forced thousands of people to rooftops or higher ground in Houston, overwhelming rescuers.

Mr Emmett, who oversees government operations in Harris County, where Houston is located, said the additional boats and vehicles that Texas is sending to the Houston area are not able to get to the area due to flooded roadways. He added that vehicles the state previously sent are already being used to help rescue individuals.

“We desperately need boats and high water vehicles ... We can't wait for assets to come from outside,” Mr Emmett said.

Both major airports in Houston have been closed amid the severe flooding.

Donald Trump met by teleconference on Sunday with top administration officials to discuss federal support for response and recovery efforts.

“President Trump continued to stress his expectation that all departments and agencies stay fully committed to supporting the Governors of Texas and Louisiana and his number one priority of saving lives,” the White House said.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters that Mr Trump will travel to Texas on Tuesday.

“We are coordinating logistics with state and local officials, and once details are finalised, we will let you know,” Ms Sanders said. “We continue to keep all of those affected in our thoughts and prayers.”

Mr Trump tweeted multiple times on Sunday morning about the storm and the government's response.

“Great coordination between agencies at all levels of government,” Mr Trump wrote. “Continuing rains and flash floods are being dealt with. Thousands rescued.”

“Many people are now saying that this is the worst storm/hurricane they have ever seen,” he said in another post. “Good news is that we have great talent on the ground.”

Agencies contributed to this report