‘100-yr disaster’: Nearly 80 killed in Texas flash floods – What we know so far

At least 79 killed, and numerous July Fourth guests and campers lacking, as flash floods wreak havoc in Texas. US President Donald Trump known as it a “100-year catastrophe” and mentioned that he would go to the flood-hit areas “probably on Friday.” “This is 100-year catastrophe, and it’s just so horrible to watch,” Trump mentioned, including that he would go to “probably on Friday.”Rescuers in Texas scrambled on Sunday to find dozens of lacking folks, together with kids. The search efforts grew pressing as forecasters warned of extra heavy rain and contemporary flooding.What we know so far:

‘You will see loss of life toll rise as we speak’

Texas public security chief Freeman Martin warned that the loss of life toll would rise. “You will see the death toll rise today,” Martin mentioned.Meanwhile, Texas governor Greg (*80*) mentioned, “Across the state, in all the areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing.”

Heavy rain at incorrect time in a flood-susceptible place

The flash floods in Texas struck on the top of the lengthy vacation weekend, catching many individuals as they slept. The catastrophe unfolded in the Texas Hill Country, a area particularly weak to flash floods as a result of its dry, compacted soil causes rainwater to race throughout the floor slightly than being absorbed. A robust in a single day storm unleashed practically 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain early Friday morning, setting the stage for devastation. Authorities had issued a flood watch on Thursday, however by 4am Friday (native time) the National Weather Service escalated it to a dire warning, citing catastrophic dangers to life and property. Within little greater than an hour, residents of Kerrville City noticed water ranges surge alarmingly, as runoff from the hills despatched torrents into the Guadalupe River. The river rose an astonishing 26 ft (8 meters) in simply 45 minutes, overwhelming the area.