State says Harvey's death toll has reached 88

by Giulia Afiune, Texas Tribune

Hurricane Harvey has directly or indirectly taken the lives of as least 88 Texans, according to preliminary numbers released Friday by the Department of State Health Services.

The majority of deaths – 62 – were caused by wind, rain and floods, which led to drownings or trees falling on people.

Meanwhile, 26 deaths were caused by "unsafe or unhealthy conditions" related to the loss or disruption of services such as utilities, transportation and medical care. The state health agency found deaths caused by medical conditions, electrocution, traffic accidents, flood water-related infections, fires and burns.

Deaths from natural causes are considered indirectly related to Harvey if physical or mental stress caused by the storm exacerbated "pre-existing medical conditions and contributed to death," the agency said.

Read more: https://www.texastribune.org/2017/10/13/harveys-death-toll-reaches-93-people/