Flooding in Texas Leaves 10 Dead and Several Missing After Torrential Rains

Catastrophic flooding caused by relentless rainstorms in southern Texas has resulted in at least 10 confirmed deaths, with multiple people still missing and extensive damage reported across affected areas.

Emergency crews in San Antonio and surrounding counties are continuing search-and-rescue efforts after torrential rainfall triggered sudden flash flooding, sweeping away vehicles, inundating homes, and leaving a trail of devastation across one of the most populous regions in the state.

The disaster began early Thursday morning, when intense rain hammered the city of San Antonio. Within hours, roadways became submerged, creeks overflowed, and fast-moving water engulfed neighborhoods.

Flooding Turns Deadly in San Antonio

Local broadcaster KENS5 reported that some of the heaviest damage occurred when cars were swept into a creek bed near the city center. Witnesses described scenes of panic as drivers attempted to escape their vehicles amid rising water levels.

By Friday afternoon, San Antonio city officials confirmed the death toll had reached 10 people, while four others remained unaccounted for. Authorities fear the number may rise as search operations continue in difficult conditions.

“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones,” San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg said in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter).

The mayor also extended his gratitude to the city’s emergency teams, saying:

“I want to personally thank our San Antonio first responders and their families for their sacrifices toward the recovery efforts.”

Since the flooding began, San Antonio emergency personnel have carried out more than 70 water rescues and responded to 16 high-water incidents, city officials reported.

The San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD) is leading ongoing recovery operations, with divers and specialized water rescue teams combing through submerged vehicles and flooded buildings in the search for survivors and the missing.

According to Fire Chief Charles Hood, crews are working around the clock under dangerous conditions.

“We’re dealing with fast currents, hidden debris, and limited visibility underwater,” said Hood. “This kind of flooding presents life-threatening risks not just to the public but to our personnel as well.”

Several neighborhoods in and around San Antonio remain partially submerged, with residents reporting property damage, power outages, and contaminated water supplies. Dozens of families have been displaced and are seeking temporary shelter provided by local organizations and emergency services.

In low-lying areas like Leon Valley and Olmos Park, entire streets turned into rivers, and emergency alerts urged people to stay indoors or seek higher ground.

Local business owner Maria Velasquez, whose shop was flooded, said she barely escaped as water surged in.

“Within minutes, the street turned into a flood zone. I grabbed my kids and ran upstairs. We lost everything downstairs,” she said, describing the chaos.

Scientists and climate experts have long warned that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, including heavy rainfall and flooding.

According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rising global temperatures are contributing to warmer, moisture-laden air — a key factor behind the intensity of storms like those seen in Texas this week.

“Climate change, driven by human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, is not just a future threat; it’s a present-day reality,” said climate scientist Dr. Jennifer Martinez. “Events like this flooding in Texas are becoming more common and more destructive.”

The increasing unpredictability of rainfall patterns is also overwhelming infrastructure in many urban centers, where drainage systems are often outdated or underprepared for rapid water accumulation.

In response to the flooding disaster, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency for Bexar County and other affected regions. The move will allow for the release of federal and state disaster relief funds and facilitate access to additional emergency resources.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has also been activated to assess damage and coordinate support services for victims. Relief agencies, including the Red Cross, have already begun distributing food, water, and blankets to those displaced by the flooding.

Despite the scale of the tragedy, acts of heroism and solidarity have emerged throughout the San Antonio area. Neighbors have helped each other evacuate, small businesses are donating supplies, and community groups are organizing fundraisers for those who lost homes or loved ones.

As cleanup and recovery begin, officials emphasize that the city must also plan for the future.

“We must invest in resilient infrastructure,” said Mayor Nirenberg. “This flooding is a wake-up call for all levels of government to prioritize climate readiness.”

As Texas mourns the lives lost to the devastating flooding, officials are vowing to learn from the disaster, rebuild with resilience, and prepare for an era where extreme weather is no longer the exception, but the rule.

Source –Punch