Jul 17, 2026, 01:22Jul 17, 2026, 01:56
The number of confirmed deaths in the severe flooding in the US state of Texas has risen to two. More than 230 people have been rescued by emergency services so far, said Governor Greg Abbott at a press conference. “Life-threatening, catastrophic flooding continues to be our primary risk tonight, overnight and into the early hours of this morning,” he warned.
The situation is particularly dangerous in Uvalde and Johnson City, Abbott said. The towns are located in the west of the city of Austin. The Nueces River, which flows near Uvalde, is expected to surpass a 30-year high overnight, Abbott said. “And the Nueces River near the valley has a flow rate twice as high as Niagara Falls.”
“Historic” flood
Life-threatening flooding could occur in dozens of West Texas counties by Friday (local time), according to the National Weather Service. Abbott warned the public not to underestimate the danger. Anyone who drives on flooded streets with their car, even if they look harmless, is putting their life in danger. “Unfortunately, this is already a historic flood event,” he said.
The region was already affected by devastating floods last summer. According to earlier information, more than 100 people died. According to Abbott’s information at the time, at least 161 people were missing. The authorities were accused of failing warning systems. (sda/dpa)