Two Dead, Hundreds Rescued as Central Texas Reels from Record Floods

Torrential rains and flash floods have devastated central Texas, resulting in at least two fatalities and over 230 rescues. The severe weather began on Tuesday, with storms continuing to impact western parts of the state, including Big Bend National Park.

One of the victims, whose identity has not been released, was swept away near Uvalde. The other victim, identified as John Mark Steward of Kerrville, Texas, is believed to have died when his mobile home was washed away by overflowing floodwaters from Goat Creek. The rainfall has been exceptionally heavy, with some areas receiving up to 60cm (two feet) of precipitation this week alone, exceeding typical annual amounts.

“

We are dealing with and responding to a flood that is likely going to break records.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties, mobilizing extensive resources for round-the-clock emergency operations. This includes the deployment of 2,350 emergency responders, equipped with helicopters and boats. Gabriel Pablo, a man from California, was rescued from an 18-wheeler truck that had been overtaken by the raging floodwaters, describing how the rain swept his vehicle away "like [it was] nothing."

This latest round of extreme rainfall affects a region that experienced devastating floods just over a year ago, which claimed at least 139 lives. Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas, saw 28 deaths at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, during last year's floods. In response to the previous disaster and public pressure, the camp did not reopen this summer and faces wrongful death lawsuits. Since last year's floods, Texas has enhanced its emergency preparedness, including implementing a law requiring warning sirens in flood-prone areas and allocating funds for warning systems. Federal efforts are also underway to improve emergency alert systems, with legislation proposed to allow alerts via satellite networks when cellular service fails.

“

like [it was] nothing