In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey brought unprecedented devastation to Texas, becoming one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in U.S. history. The Category 4 storm made landfall near Rockport and dumped over 50 inches of rain in parts of southeastern Texas. Before the storm, bustling neighborhoods, parks, highways, and homes looked calm and vibrant, with people going about their daily lives. The before-and-after visuals reveal a stunning transformation—once dry and thriving areas submerged under several feet of water.
The floodwaters turned entire communities into lakes. In places like Houston, major interstates disappeared beneath murky water, and thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed. Aerial photos captured the shocking extent of the flooding—showing homes with only rooftops visible, and parking lots turned into vast ponds. The before images are a stark reminder of what was lost, while the after shots portray the raw power of nature and the vulnerability of human infrastructure.
Recovery took months, and for many, the emotional and financial toll lasted years. Over 100 people lost their lives, and damages were estimated at over $125 billion. The resilience of Texans, however, was evident in the days following the storm. Volunteers from across the country came to help, and community shelters opened their doors to those displaced by the disaster. These visuals, though heartbreaking, also highlight the spirit of unity and determination during times of crisis.
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