San Antonio, Texas is facing a ruinous natural disaster following severe downpours that brought on flash flooding, killing at least 10 individuals and several others missing. The vibrant city famous for its historic nature and lively streets has come to a halt following relentless rains that lashed the area for more than 24 hours.
Emergency services are racing against time to find the missing as submerged vehicles, ruined homes, and jammed highways remain hazardous. Residents spoke of horrific scenes of rising waters, trapped cars, and frantic attempts to escape the floods. Many neighborhoods are under evacuation, with emergency shelters activated around the city.
The National Weather Service has issued further alerts for continued rainfall in the next few days, increasing the likelihood of additional damage. State officials have sent boats, helicopters, and the National Guard to help with the continued search and rescue efforts. Power outages and communication disruptions have exacerbated the difficulties of families trying to find loved ones.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott referred to the scene as “a heartbreaking reminder of nature’s fury” and assured complete support for relief operations. San Antonio prepares to gauge the magnitude of the tragedy, while the country looks on, with meteorologists calling on neighboring states to bracing for potential flood overflow.