Hurricane Harvey leaves 44 dead and 19 missing in the US.

Leandra Felipe – correspondent for Agência Brasil

At least 44 people have died over the course of a week of storms in the Houston metropolitan area, in southern Texas, United States (USA), according to the latest count of victims of Hurricane Harvey. At least 19 people are missing, according to the local government.

More than 770 residents of the state were advised to leave their homes, and nearly 1 million (980) have left their residences due to the risk of flooding caused by overflowing rivers and reservoirs. About 40 are in makeshift shelters. The storm is no longer over the city of Houston, but flooding continues.

According to the National Hurricane Center, the hurricane is moving north towards Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Flooding has already been reported in these regions. Some states, such as Arkansas and Ohio, are also on alert. One of the concerns is water contamination. The government is looking for ways to ensure potable water for the affected population.

Gasoline prices have skyrocketed across the country. A gallon of gasoline (3,8 liters) has risen an average of 60 cents since the beginning of the week in several regions. In Atlanta, the price last weekend ranged between US$2,10 and US$2,20. Now, it's possible to find gasoline for US$3 a gallon.

With the refineries closed, there was no production or distribution of gasoline to neighboring states.

US President Donald Trump said he will donate $1 million of his personal wealth to help victims of the hurricane.

Estimates of the damage suggest that the cost could reach US$160 billion, making it the most expensive disaster in United States history.