Tim Pope caught up in Houston floods

Tim Pope was based in the Texan metropolis for work before Tropical Storm Harvey hit this week.

“As an Australian that has seen fire and flood as well as being an ex-serviceman involved in disaster relief, I can say I have never witnessed anything like the current disaster in Houston,” he said.

“The easiest way to describe it would be to say most of Melbourne, Geelong and Ballarat were either under flood or flood affected in some way.”

More than 500mm of rain has fallen over large swathes of the state, with some experts calling it a 1-in-1000-year flood event.

The death toll climbed to at least 47 people by Friday afternoon.

But the community has rallied in the face of the disaster, Mr Pope said.

A group of civilian volunteers formed in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina called the Cajun Navy has come to the aid, towing their boats from Louisiana to help flood victims.

“On a positive note, I have witnessed some of humanities finest moments,” Mr Pope said.

“They drove three to five hours from Louisiana, even though the hurricane was heading their way.

“They knew the risks in leaving their own are but saw the need to head to Houston and help their neighbours.

“I take my hat off to them.”

The Houston apartment complex Mr Pope was staying in had yet to be affected. 

But there were fears about the release of excess water within reservoirs in the coming days.