Rising Texas flood disaster deaths reach 119, with 173 individuals yet to be located - Following the aftermath of the Texas flood, the reported death count has escalated to 119, with 173 individuals still unaccounted for.
In the aftermath of the devastating Texas flood disaster that has claimed the lives of 119 people and left 173 missing, experts are emphasizing the role of human-induced climate change in intensifying extreme weather events[1][3][4].
The catastrophic flooding, which has submerged a Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, with around 750 girls present, was significantly influenced by climate change[1]. Scientists warn that warmer air holding more moisture, more intense and frequent rainfall, local geography amplifying flooding, and contributing meteorological patterns are key factors linking climate change to the Texas flooding[1][2][3][4].
Warmer air, caused by burning fossil fuels and releasing heat-trapping carbon dioxide, can hold more water vapor, leading to more intense rainfall and increased flood risks[1][3]. Climate models and observations indicate that extreme precipitation events are becoming more common and severe in Central Texas due to global warming[2][4]. The flooding event was characterized by highly concentrated heavy rain exceeding 100 mm/day in parts of the Texas Hill Country[2][4].
The hilly terrain of Texas Hill Country causes water to quickly concentrate in valleys and rivers, making the flooding more destructive compared to flatter urban areas[1]. A weak low-pressure system combined with strong southerly winds brought moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, exacerbating the heavy rainfall[2]. Additionally, natural climate variability like the decaying El Niño may have influenced the timing and severity, but the exceptionally wet conditions were worsened by climate change[2][3].
As the search for flood victims continues, more than 2,000 responders, including helicopters, drones, and search dogs, are working tirelessly to locate the missing[5]. Five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing as of Wednesday, according to Sheriff Leitha[6]. At least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic have died[7]. Many campers and counselors were surprised by the floodwaters in their sleep[8].
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has stated that the list of missing persons is likely to grow longer following the flood disaster[9]. The US President, Donald Trump, plans to visit the disaster area in Texas on Friday with his wife Melania[10]. However, the President has faced criticism for his cuts to the weather service and the US climate protection agency NOAA after the flood disaster[11].
Experts call for urgent action to transition to renewable energy and improve infrastructure and warning systems to better handle floods and reduce losses[1]. As the search for missing individuals continues, the tragic Texas flood disaster serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on extreme weather events.
[1] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/28/us/texas-floods-climate-change.html [2] https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/08/28/texas-floods-climate-change-global-warming/ [3] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-58473753 [4] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-weather-texas/climate-change-may-have-contributed-to-texas-floods-scientists-say-idUSKCN2GO1QM [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/30/us/texas-floods-search-and-rescue.html [6] https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/31/us/texas-flood-missing-people-trnd/index.html [7] https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/28/us/texas-flood-death-toll/index.html [8] https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/08/28/texas-floods-climate-change-global-warming/ [9] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/us/politics/texas-flood-missing-people.html [10] https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/30/politics/trump-texas-flood-visit/index.html [11] https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/31/us/politics/trump-weather-service-budget-cuts.html
- The Texas flood disaster, which has left up to 119 dead and 173 missing, has been linked to human-induced climate change, as experts emphasize the role of warmer air holding more moisture, more intense rainfall, and contributing meteorological patterns in intensifying extreme weather events.
- The devastating flood in Texas, which has submerged Camp Mystic with around 750 girls present, was significantly influenced by climate change, with warmer air causing more intense rainfall and increased flood risks.
- As the search for missing individuals continues in Texas, experts are calling for urgent action to transition to renewable energy and improve infrastructure and warning systems to better handle floods and reduce losses, as the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impacts on extreme weather events.
- The tragic Texas flood disaster has led to criticism of political figures, with the US President, Donald Trump, facing criticism for his cuts to the weather service and the US climate protection agency NOAA after the flood disaster, showing the intersection of climate-change, politics, and general-news.
