Texas flood has caused 172 people to be missing, and the search and rescue work is facing great difficulties. This article will explore the reasons for the difficulty, the current situation of the flood, and relevant response measures.
Texas is no stranger to natural disasters, but the recent flood has really "thrown a curve - ball" at us. With the number of missing persons rising to 172, the search and rescue operation has become a huge challenge. It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack, but our brave rescuers are still working hard. Let’s take a closer look at this tragic yet tenacious scene.
The Horrible Scene of Texas Flood
The Texas flood is like a wild beast. According to the report, from the late night of July 3rd to the early morning of July 4th, central Texas was hit by continuous heavy - rain. The rainfall in Kerr County was about 245 millimeters, and that in Mason County was about 406 millimeters. In Hunt, Kerr County, the rainfall in 3 hours was equivalent to the monthly average. The Guadalupe River, which is like a suddenly - enraged dragon, rose more than 9.1 meters in just 45 minutes, swallowing up the camps, vehicles and houses along the river. It’s really a disaster that we haven’t seen in a century!
Reasons for the Difficulty of Search and Rescue
First of all, the terrain is a big "troublemaker". Central Texas is known as the "flash - flood corridor". Most of the areas have thin soil layers, and below is the limestone or granite rock layer which is difficult to permeate water. The surface runoff is very turbulent after rainfall. Moreover, the altitude changes sharply, the terrain is steep, and the river valleys are narrow. These complex terrains make it difficult for rescuers to enter some areas, just like walking in a maze.
Secondly, the flood came at a bad time. It broke out in the late night when people were sleeping. People didn’t have enough time to react, and many were trapped in their homes or vehicles. When the rescuers arrived, the situation was already very critical. It’s like trying to save someone from a burning house in the dark, which is extremely difficult.
In addition, the flood - warning mechanism also has problems. The National Weather Service was questioned about inaccurate weather forecasts and late - issued flood warnings. Some residents and campers said they didn’t receive the warning notice at all. Without timely warnings, the search and rescue work started late, which also increased the difficulty.
The Current Situation of Search and Rescue and Emergency Response
Despite these difficulties, the search and rescue work has never stopped. Rescuers from federal agencies, neighboring states and even Mexico have joined the team. They use helicopters, drones, search dogs and small boats, like a group of fearless warriors, looking for every possible survivor in the muddy ruins. However, as time goes by, the hope of finding more survivors is getting slimmer and slimmer. It’s really a race against time!
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has ordered the state flags to be flown at half - mast to mourn the victims. And some volunteers from nearby areas have also actively come to help. They are moving debris, providing supplies, and doing their best to help the affected people. Their actions are like warm - hearted flames in the cold flood, bringing a touch of warmth to the disaster - stricken area.
Lessons and Outlook
This flood has taught us a profound lesson. For areas prone to floods, like Texas, we need to strengthen the construction of flood - warning systems. It’s like building a solid shield to protect people from the threat of floods. Camp operators and residents in flood - prone areas should also formulate perfect emergency plans, and conduct regular emergency drills, so that they can respond quickly when the flood comes.
Looking to the future, we hope that such disasters will happen less and less. Although nature is powerful, we believe that through continuous improvement of our emergency response capabilities and better protection of the ecological environment, we can reduce the damage caused by floods. After all, where there is a will, there is a way. We will surely be able to find a better way to co - exist with nature.
In conclusion, the Texas flood is a disaster that touches the hearts of all Americans. The 172 missing persons are like heavy stones in our hearts. But we believe that with the unremitting efforts of rescuers and the support of the whole society, we will be able to get through this difficult time and bring comfort to the victims and their families.