Emotional Moment Man Finally Contacts His Dad Following Hurricane Harvey

This past week those on the Gulf Coast, United States were devastated as Hurricane Harvey swept through areas.

Aaron Mitchell, from Aransas Pass, Texas, was one of the many who were left with nothing as the tropical storm destroyed his home.

Because he lost all his belongings, as well as having no mobile signal, he struggled to contact his loved ones, so had no idea on their well being.

CNN captured the emotional moment he finally made contact with his dad and realised that he too had survived the hurricane.

"There's been no cell service since Thursday, Friday. Haven't gotten hold of anybody. If my mom and dad is watching, I'm okay," Mitchell told CNN.

"My mom's in Oklahoma and my dad, there's no telling where my dad's at. I'm here in Rockport, waiting on you."

He walked a reported 12 miles in the dark to his father's home, though he wasn't there. He feared the worst, but after using a reporter's phone his mind was put at rest.

"Okay dad, I'm going to jump on a bus. I'll be there," he said. "Dad I love you."

Credit: CNN

"I felt like 'The Wizard of Oz' man. I was scared. I've seen a lot of things but that terrified me," he said. "I just lost everything I worked for. Everything. The only thing I got are the clothes on my back."

Hurricane Harvey is being labelled one of the most powerful storms to hit the United States in a decade and it has certainly done some damage.

It hit the mainland as a category four and packed wind gusts of up to 130 mph (209km/h). It knocked out electricity to about 300,000 people, and hundreds had to gather in shelters that could withstand its wrath. One person has been reportedly killed and a further 14 others injured.

It also caused a peculiar sight that scared many residents. The incessant rain and flooding saw alligators appearing around people's homes.

Alligator in Texas

Credit: Facebook/Gator Squad

The pictures have been posted by Gator Squad, who have issued this warning: "Remember flooding waters can cause alligators to become displaced. Alligators may travel looking for higher grounds or shelter from the rain.

"Although not likely some of these places might be your driveway, front or back porches if covered and could be under your car.

"Alligators that show up on your property during flooding and heavy rain are not out seeking you for food or trying to be aggressive they are simple trying to deal with the weather like the rest of us. If weather is bad, please let them be as they will move when water goes down. Stay 30ft and do not attempt to move or scare off a lost or displaced alligator."

While Harvey has certainly weakened since making landfall, emergency services maintain that there is still a big risk to residents. The National Weather Service issued a warning to Texans saying: "Remember, this is a multi-day event...marathon not a sprint."

Stay safe Texas.

Topics: Hurricane Harvey, America

Mark McGowan

Mark is a journalist at LADbible, who joined in 2015 after a year as a freelance writer. In the past he blogged for independent football fan channel Redmen TV, after graduating from Staffordshire University with degrees in journalism and English literature. He has worked on campaigns such as UOKM8? and IIOC.