Flash floods devastated parts of Central Texas on July 4 (sudden flooding after heavy rain). The flooding took place after a lot of rain. The rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet. The floods came very quickly. It happened in the middle of the night while most people were sleeping. At least 132 people have died. More than a hundred people are still missing.
One of the hardest-hit areas was Kerr County. Kerr County is in the Texas Hill Country. Many refer to this region as Flash Flood Alley. This area is one of the most dangerous places in the United States for flash floods.
Photo Credit: UPI/Alamy Stock Photo
Rescue workers wade through a flooded street.
Rescue teams responded quickly. Using helicopters and boats, they rescued hundreds of people. They pulled people from the water and rescued others from trees. Drones (small aircraft controlled from the ground) with cameras helped find survivors. Ordinary Texans have also lent a hand in the aftermath. Rescue workers continue to search for missing people.
Hundreds of campers were rescued by helicopter at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Counselors led the children to higher ground in the middle of the night as floodwaters quickly rose. At least 27 campers and counselors died.
Photo Credit: kazirakib/123RF
The National Weather Service sends alerts to people’s phones during weather emergencies.
During storms, warning systems alert people of danger. Sirens can warn people of a coming storm. People also receive alerts on their phones about severe weather events, such as tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. Warning systems save lives by providing people with timely information during emergencies.
The National Weather Service sent warnings before and during the floods. However, many people in the Texas Hill Country did not receive the alerts. Local officials are responsible for issuing evacuation instructions. There were also no sirens in some areas most affected by the floods. State and local officials in Texas are working to improve warning systems.
What Do You Think? How can people make sure they are prepared for weather emergencies?
Photo Credit: Ilene MacDonald / Alamy Stock Photo
