Eight inspiring acts of heroism and kindness from Hurricane Harvey

Heartwarming tales of courage, bravery and generosity have emerged from devastation of Hurricane Harvey in Houston.

Communities and strangers  have rallied to help one another after a year’s rain fell in just a week on the Texan metropolis, leaving an estimated 30,000 people temporarily homeless.

Inspiring stories from Hurricane Harvey

Dramatic live TV rescue

A live TV report from Houston took a dramatic twist when journalist Brandi Smith helped rescue a truck driver stuck in flood waters.

The KHOU 11 News reporter was covering Hurricane Harvey when she flagged down two sheriff’s deputies driving past with a rescue boat to save the man’s life.

“There’s a truck driver stuck here in about 10 feet of water,” she told them before they came to his rescue.

Communities coming together

“I’ve met more of my neighbours in the last 24 hours than I have in the last 20 years,” said Steve Hresko, a rescue efforts volunteer.

Dump trucks are now being helped to rescue children in flood-hit areas, while Good Samaritans have navigated streets by boat to assist stranded families.

Emergency water

One of America's largest breweries, Budweiser producers Anheuser-Busch, has swapped making beer for providing some much-needed water instead.

Anheuser-Busch is delivering three truckloads - over 155,000 cans - of emergency drinking water to help communities in the Gulf Coast area in response.

“Putting our production and logistics strengths to work by providing safe, clean drinking water is the best way we can help in these situations” said Bill Bradley, Anheuser-Busch’s Vice President for Community Affairs.

“The safety of our colleagues is paramount and we are proud of the work our Houston team has done over the weekend to keep our team safe in these difficult and exceptional circumstances.”

Emergency services

Thousands of people have been rescued in Houston thanks to the combined hard work of police forces, the coast guard, plus search and rescue teams.

A photo of SWAT team officer Daryl Hudeck carrying a mother and her 13-month-old baby to safety has been widely shared online.

"I was just keeping an eye out and as soon as I saw the SWAT team member carrying her and then seeing the baby, I just couldn't believe that baby was wrapped up in there and not crying," photographer David Phillip told AP.

"It was just tender. It was very special."

Sheriff's Deputy Rick Johnson was also snapped carrying two young children through flood water.

Exhausted deputy

A photo of a sleeping Texas sheriff’s deputy who worked for 12 hours straight helping flood victims has also gone viral.

“This deputy worked 12+ hours through the night, doing high water rescues,” Texas Sheriff's Deputies posted on Facebook.

“Worked until he couldn't stand anymore. This man and hundreds more just like him are out there, saving Texans!! Much respect sir!”

Animal rescues

Many waded through waist-high flood water to carry their pets to safety:

15 people saved

A group of 15 stranded pensioners were rescued after a shocking photo of a flooded Texas nursing home went viral.

The photo was shared on Twitter by Timothy McIntosh, whose mother-in-law owns the nursing home, helping alert emergency services.

They were eventually rescued and photographed safe and well.

Furniture converts to makeshift shelter

A furniture store in the city has opened its doors to help those made homeless by the flooding.

“Anyone in need of shelter who can safely navigate out of their neighborhood, Mattress Mack and the GF Family invite you to join us,” they posted.

Hurricane Harvey hits Texas, in pictures