Devastating Flash Floods Claim Lives in San Antonio
At least 11 individuals have lost their lives and multiple others are unaccounted for following severe flash flooding that overwhelmed San Antonio, Texas. Torrential downpours on Wednesday and Thursday resulted in hazardous conditions, causing vehicles to be swept off roadways and into nearby creeks.
The San Antonio Fire Department reported that emergency responders are currently engaged in search operations for a minimum of four people still missing in the aftermath of the floods. As authorities continue their efforts, they caution that the death toll could potentially rise, and they anticipate that recovery operations may extend over several days.
Rescue Operations Underway
In an effort to locate survivors, the fire department has mobilized K9 units and has requested additional support from a statewide urban search and rescue team. By Friday afternoon, city officials had conducted over 70 water rescues, with at least four of the rescued individuals receiving hospital care for minor injuries.
Victims Identified
Authorities have confirmed the identities of three of the deceased: Martha De La Torre Rangel, Matthew Angel Tufono, and Victor Manuel Macias Castro. According to fire officials, these victims were trapped in their vehicles in the Perrin Beitel area around 5:00 AM local time when the floodwaters surged.
Angel Richards, the wife of one of the victims, shared her harrowing experience with local CBS affiliate KENS 5. She recounted the moment she was on the phone with her husband, Stevie, as he faced the rising floodwaters on his way to work. “It’s hard because I was on the phone when this happened, and then not to have a lot of communication, to see my car, it’s devastating to me,” Richards expressed. “No one can say to me, ‘Hey, this is what’s going on.’
Community Response
In the wake of this catastrophe, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg extended his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. “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,” Nirenberg stated on social media platform X.
In solidarity, Joaquin Castro, the Democratic House Representative for San Antonio, described the flooding as a “tragedy.” He voiced his prayers for the victims’ families, emphasizing, “San Antonio always stands together when tragedy strikes, and we will continue to do so as our community grieves this loss.”
Flood Recovery Efforts at a Glance
| Incident | Details |
|---|---|
| Death Toll | At least 11 confirmed dead |
| Missing Persons | At least 4 still unaccounted for |
| Water Rescues | Over 70 rescues performed |
| Injuries | 4 individuals hospitalized with minor injuries |
As the search and recovery efforts continue, the entire San Antonio community is coming together in support of those affected by this tragic disaster.
