HOUSTON, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- In anticipation of Tropical Depression Harvey making landfall in the Gulf Coast region, Governor of Texas Greg Abbott Wednesday preemptively declared a State of Disaster for 30 counties.
"Texans believe in taking action and always being prepared in the event of an emergency," Abbott said in a release by his office in Austin, the capital city of Texas, adding "that is why I am taking every precaution prior to Tropical Depression Harvey making landfall. Preemptively declaring a state of disaster will allow Texas to quickly deploy resources for the emergency response effort in anticipation of the storm's hazardous conditions."
Houston is a city of Harris county, which is among the 30 counties with the State of Disaster. Texas is divided into 254 counties, more than any other U.S. state.
Earlier of the day, the governor ordered the State Operations Center (SOC) to elevate its readiness level as Tropical Depression Harvey approaches.
Additionally, Abbott has made available any and all state resources to assist in preparation, rescue and recovery efforts, said a press release from the governor's office.
"The state's emergency personnel are well prepared for the potential impact from Tropical Depression Harvey, and stand ready to assist in the event of any severe weather emergencies," said Abbott in the release.
The SOC has increased from level IV (normal conditions) to level III (increased readiness) and will be further elevated to level II (escalated response conditions) starting Thursday.
The remnants of Tropical Storm Harvey has reformed into a tropical depression and is headed toward the Texas coast, the National Weather Service announced Wednesday.
According to the weather service, the storm could make landfall by Friday.
