In Crosby, Tex., on the northeast outskirts of Houston, two blasts rocked a chemical plant left without power by floodwaters, the facility’s French operators said, citing Harris County officials. “We were notified by the Harris County Emergency Operations Center of two explosions and black smoke coming from the” plant, said a statement by the company, Arkema. [Threats grow at disabled chemical plant after 2 explosions]Authorities on Wednesday set up an evacuation zone in a 1.5-mile radius from the plant. A statement from city officials said a secondary water source from nearby wells was also lost. Though pumps had failed in days before Harvey made landfall, city officials said 93 percent of the city’s drainage pumps are now operable.

Source: Washington Post August 31, 2017 04:34 UTC