Dallas Zoo has reached out to those affected by Tropical Storm Harvey, welcoming more than 700 evacuees in the wake of the flooding and destruction, offering free entry for anyone impacted by the devastating cyclone.

The storm – which has battered Texas over the course of the last week, causing unprecedented and catastrophic flooding in the region – is the strongest to hit the state since 1961. Harvey is so far responsible for at least 30 deaths, and floodwaters continues to rise. Hundreds of thousands of people have been ordered to evacuate, with many of the displaced travelling to nearby Dallas.

“Over the past two days, the Dallas Zoo has welcomed more than 700 evacuees from the Houston area, free-of-charge,” said a statement from the zoo, posted to social media.

“For others who are in Dallas because you've been impacted by Harvey, please know you're welcome to visit the zoo on us, through Monday (4 September).

“Just show your ID at the ticket gates for free admission. We're also making Zoo tickets available to evacuees in area shelters.

“We hope a visit to the zoo might help ease the pain and bring a smile to your face, even if for just a few hours.”

In the city, the Dallas Convention Center has the capacity to house more than 5,000 evacuees. Other shelters have also opened up in two other Dallas locations and in nearby Irving and Fort Worth.