Celebrities post messages of support for Texas in wake of deadly floods

Tropical Storm Harvey pounded Texas with rain over the weekend, creating rising flood waters that have proved to be deadly and devastating. Celebrities have joined many others on social media to express their support for victims and the state of Texas.

The upper Texas coast has been pummeled with unprecedented levels of rain for days now, and according to CNN, the rain totals could continue to rise by as much as two feet or more by the week’s end. Two people have been killed by the storm and resulting flood waters so far, and that number is expected to rise. As FEMA’s Brock Long told CNN: “Texas has never seen an event like this.”

The U.S. Coast Guard said, as of Sunday night, they had completed more than 1,000 rescues by water and more than 200 by air, ABC News reports. President Trump has tweeted about the storm and on Monday issued a federal emergency for parts of southwest Louisiana, though many are still criticizing his choice to tweet things like book recommendations and plans for the Mexican wall instead of focusing on the deadly disaster.

Online, millions have taken to their social media feeds to share messages of support for the Houston area and ways people can help the victims. The Red Cross is taking financial donations by way of text, for instance, if you text the word “HARVEY” to 90999 (you can also checkout their website or call 1-800-RED CROSS). The Salvation Army is also accepting help for their relief efforts at helpsalvationarmy.org. Or you can text the United Way’s Flood Relief Fund (“UWFLOOD”) at 41444. As disasters like this are often opportunities for horrible scam artists to take advantage of vulnerable people, make sure you double check that the group you’re donating to is legit. You can look on Charity Navigator, Charity Watch or other sites to be sure.

Celebrities and public figures, of course, especially those with ties to Texas, have been expressing their hopes and prayers for the people of Houston and beyond.

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Check back for more updates on this devastating storm and how you can help here on Culturess.