Animals rescued in the aftermath of Harvey

Hurricane Harvey’s historic torrential rains left thousands of people stranded in the Houston area today while rescuers — public officials, as well as neighbors and good Samaritans — took to the air and water in an attempt to pluck them to safety.

An estimated 1,500 to 2,000 water rescues have taken place in the wake of Hurricane Harvey, as workers continue to locate survivors of the deadly storm, according to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

The Red Cross says, if needed, they are prepared to handle 350 people in the Delco Center. As of Sunday afternoon, a total of 24 dogs, 20 cats, and 5 birds have been registered and volunteers from the Austin Animal Center say they can handle approximately 20 more animals depending on size.

Facing rising sea levels and a never-ending torrent of rain, many Texans have taken to carrying their pets to safety. Here’s a look at some of four legged friends rescued during Hurricane Harvey. (AP/Yahoo News)

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Read: Owners rescue their dogs as Houston plunges into chaos ?