The story behind that inspiring picture of a human chain in Houston
In times of crisis, human beings get together and help each other the best way they can.
That's one of the uplifting takeaways from the "catastrophic" Tropical Storm Harvey that poured 19 trillion gallons of rain on Texas, bringing floods and devastation on the southern state. The storm produced the most rain of any tropical storm or hurricane in the history of the lower 48 states.
SEE ALSO: Tropical Storm Harvey is the strongest to hit the US in 12 years
Among the acts of kindness — for strangers, for animals, for local correspondents — is this inspiring picture of a human chain to help rescue someone trapped in a car in Houston.
The local ABC channel posted the photo on Twitter, where it went viral, with the caption: "#Harvey has taken a lot, but it will NEVER take our humanity. We have seen so many neighbors helping each other. THANK YOU #HopeForHouston".
#Harvey has taken a lot, but it will NEVER take our humanity. We have seen so many neighbors helping each other. THANK YOU #HopeForHouston pic.twitter.com/M8aTACwHhc
— ABC13 Houston (@abc13houston) August 30, 2017
Stephanie Edward Mata was driving her car on the other side of the flooded road when she saw the scene and started filming:
She told Mashable a group of people spotted an elderly man trapped inside his SUV, which was sinking into the water, and were desperate to help him. But there was a catch: they didn't have a rope with them. So they resorted to forming a human chain.
"The people had no rope to get him out so they made a chain holding each other," she said. "They pulled the door open and one gentleman got ahold of him as they held on until they got him safe."
Mata said she has no idea of what happened to the man after he was brought to safety.
"There was a cop nearby where they took him to get checked out as he was so cold," she said. "I really wish I knew what happened to him next."
Image: Stephanie mata
She also sent a picture of the SUV after the guy was saved:
Image: stephanie mata
It is indeed heartwarming to see all types of people holding hands to help someone in need.
People on Twitter noticed it, and responded to the tweet with messages of hope in front of the tragedy:
When bad things go down, honestly, you want a bunch of Texans around. #harvey #Texas
— Trish (@Trishmil8) August 30, 2017
Houston, you rock. Your community spirit in the face of such great loss has given me back a little hope and some faith in my fellow humans.
— WeAreAllTexansToday (@JamieTFox) August 30, 2017
It is just beyond moving to witness all of these people who were initially strangers who have been brought together as neighbors.
— J. Edward Griffin (@jcextra) August 30, 2017
I love people. 99% are just good human beings when given the opportunity. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
— lnordstrom (@lnordstrom123) August 30, 2017
My side of town ❤❤❤🙏
— 👑B (@Bparis88) August 30, 2017
this is THE America I remember! :)
— vikilin (@vikilintw) August 30, 2017
The living prof of the land of the free and home of the brave I see the bravest people here
— Lucas Diaz (@73Lucasdiaz) August 30, 2017
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