As rain and bad weather continue to make their presence felt all throughout the south-western regions of the United States, authorities release the first death toll in Texas, Oklahoma flooding: 3 people killed, 2,000 people evacuated. The number of the victims may continue to rise as the meteorological administration warns people that there will be more rain in the following days.
Inhabitants in Texas and Oklahoma were expecting bad weather to be heading their way, according to the recent meteorological reports. However, they did not expect such a heavy quantity of water to fall within such a small interval.
Authorities in the southern and western states repot that many inhabitants have lost their homes during the Sunday flooding. 2,000 people were evacuated and brought to shelters as waters reached 26 feet in just an hour.
The majority of the houses were destroyed, but authorities claim more damage could be registered if more tornados will come. A general warning was issued for the following week asking people to avoid the flooded areas.
“It looks pretty bad out there,” said Hays County emergency management coordinator Kharley Smith after reviewing the overall situation. He further replied that there are regions where just one or two houses are still standing.
In spite of the numerous efforts that authorities are now making to keep people safe, 3 people were declared death on Sunday evening. Their number could rise in the following days as many people have been reported missing during the storm hours. Police officers are now looking for eight missing people, including three children.
The meteorological administration declared this May as the wettest month to have ever been registered in the past years. Unusual weather phenomena have already been registered in Texas and Oklahoma where inhabitants experienced snow during the first days of spring. Water levels could become increasingly bigger in the following days as experts expect more rain and tornadoes to come.
27.37 inches of rain were recorded so far in Oklahoma, as a result of the recent flooding. The state registered only 4.29 inches of water last year, but 2015 appears to be the wettest year for Oklahoma, so far. Experts have concluded that the state has set a new record with the 18.2 inches of water registered this month. In 2013 there were only 14.5 inches or rain within the same month.
In spite of the alarming weather reports, authorities claim there is also a good part in it, as well. In their opinion, the recent flooding is a result of the powerful drought that has affected the southern and western states in the past years. Firefighters hope they won’t face with so many wildfires this year, as the weather seems to be milder.
Image Source: Star Telegram
Joe Hennessey
