Harvey flooding ravages Texas as Abbott actives entire Texas National Guard

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Texas National Guard soldiers conduct rescue operations in flooded areas around Houston, Texas 27 August, 2017. (Photos by 1Lt. Zachary West, 100th MPAD)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has activated the entire Texas National Guard to help with the search and rescue efforts after Hurricane Harvey.

That’s an estimated 12,000 personnel plus more than 500 vehicles and 14 aircraft that have been put into service.

"It is imperative that we do everything possible to protect the lives and safety of people across the state of Texas as we continue to face the aftermath of this storm," Abbott said.

The men and women of the National Guard will work closely with FEMA, federal troops and an armada of volunteer police officers, firefighters and public citizens helping their neighbors.

"FEMA was here before the storm hit, and we will be here as long as needed, actively coordinating the full resources of the federal government, to support Gov. Abbott and the state,” said FEMA Administrator Brock Long.

"We will not rest until we have made every effort to rescue all those in harm's way,” added Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, Texas Adjutant General.

All Texas Military Department personnel not already deployed were asked to report to their respective units for further instructions.

The National Weather Service tweeted early Monday that the region can expect dangerous flooding for parts of Texas and Louisiana. The agency said additional rainfall accumulations of 15 to 25 inches are expected across the upper Texas coast, with isolated storm totals as high as 50 inches.