Texas to evacuate 2,600 inmates as floodwaters threaten prisons

ROSHARON, TX (KTRK) -- Historic flooding in Rosharon is forcing prison officials to evacuate more than 2,500 inmates at two facilities.

The Texas Department of Criminal Justice says the Terrell and Stringfellow units will begin evacuations this morning, while inmates at the Ramsey Unit trusty camp will be moved into a main prison building.

Buses will be used to move the approximately 2,600 inmates to open beds at other state prisons.

Meantime, an emergency command center has been opened in Huntsville to deal with high water breaching the banks of the Brazos River.

Prison officials say additional food and water resources have been delivered to units receiving evacuated inmates.

Back at the flood-affected units, sandbags and additional staff are on hand working to limit damage from the floodwaters.

Families of inmates can find out more about their loved ones by calling 936-437-4927.