10 killed, several others missing in Texas flash floods

Severe flooding triggered by torrential rainfall in southern Texas has claimed the lives of at least 10 people, with several others still unaccounted for, according to authorities on Friday.

San Antonio bore the brunt of the storm on Thursday morning as intense rainfall overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to flash floods that swept vehicles off roadways and into a nearby creek, local news outlet KENS5 reported.

City officials reported the death toll had reached 10 fatalities by Friday afternoon.

“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.”

City officials said first responders had conducted to over 70 water rescues and 16 high-water investigations since the flooding began.

Scientists have long warned that climate change driven by man-made fossil fuel emissions is increasing the likelihood, intensity and length of extreme weather events such as torrential rains.