Intense rainfall hitting the Texas-Mexico border has caused widespread flooding, trapping numerous individuals in their homes and leaving cars stranded in high waters. Rescue operations continued into Friday as the storms began to ease, but reports indicate that at least four people have lost their lives due to the floods, including some who drowned.
Authorities are cautioning that the full impact of the flooding may not yet be fully understood, especially given the record-setting precipitation in some areas of the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. Across the border in Mexico, hundreds have sought refuge in temporary shelters. Dramatic footage posted online shows military personnel maneuvering through waters reaching their waists.
In the U.S., Hidalgo County reported the death of at least three individuals. This region experienced more than 21 inches of rainfall this week, significantly affecting the city of Harlingen. This area, known for its rich agricultural lands, has seen substantial losses. The state’s agriculture commissioner highlighted the damage to both crops and livestock.
Palm Valley resident Jionni Ochoa shared the dire conditions in his home near Harlingen, explaining that only the bed remained dry, as water began entering their house overnight, even pouring through electrical sockets. He and his wife awaited rescue as the water levels in their home continued to rise, reaching knee height.
The Hidalgo County officials revealed that the circumstances of the deaths involved law enforcement efforts. Meanwhile, the Mexican state of Tamaulipas reported the drowning of an 83-year-old man in Reynosa, located just across the border from McAllen, Texas.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection previously stated that a vehicle suspected of being involved in migrant smuggling attempted to traverse a flooded road in Hidalgo County but ended up in a canal. One body was recovered, and another person remained missing, though it’s unclear if these are the same deaths noted by county officials.
An extensive number of water rescues took place, including more than 100 in Alamo, a small Texas border city. Crews in Weslaco faced similar challenges, responding to people trapped in homes and vehicles. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez noted the deluge’s historic nature, affecting the entire Valley, not just their city. Weslaco alone recorded about 14 inches of rain.
Power outages affected thousands, and more than 20 education institutions canceled classes. The Valley International Airport in Harlingen halted operations, resulting in flight cancellations.
Authorities in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas reported rainfalls between 7 and 12 inches in affected regions, impacting cities like Reynosa, Rio Bravo, Miguel Aleman, and parts of Matamoros. Over 640 military personnel were deployed for assistance. As water levels fell, efforts to restore electricity were underway, though the number of outages remains unclear.
Emma Alaniz in Texas expressed frustration about being stuck in her home, located in a colonia, or unincorporated neighborhood. She described her house as isolated by surrounding floodwaters, unable to venture out due to lacking a suitable vehicle to navigate the submerged streets.