Flooding caused by torrential rains in the southern US state of Texas killed at least ten people, officials said Friday, with several more reported missing.
Intense downpours pounded San Antonio, Texas, on Thursday morning, triggering flash flooding on highways and pushing automobiles into a nearby creek bed, according to local broadcaster KENS5.
The station stated that the San Antonio Fire Department was looking for at least four more victims.
By Friday afternoon, city officials reported a total of ten deaths.
“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 post on X.
“I want to personally thank our San Antonio first responders and their families for their sacrifices toward the recovery efforts.”
Since the flooding began, city officials reported that first responders had performed more than 70 water rescues and 16 high-water investigations.
Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by man-made fossil fuel emissions is increasing the frequency, severity, and duration of extreme weather events such as heavy downpours.