82 dead, dozens missing in devastating floods in Texas amid warnings of new disasters The death toll rises sharply and the search for the missing continues. The death toll from the violent floods that hit the US state of Texas has risen to at least 82, w

Arab Weather - The death toll from the severe flooding that hit the US state of Texas has risen to at least 82, with dozens missing, amid warnings of renewed flooding in the coming days. Rescue teams, volunteers, and families of victims are continuing intensive searches through the rubble and submerged areas, especially at Camp Mystic, a girls' summer camp that suffered significant destruction due to flash floods that swept through the area, completely sweeping away homes and facilities.

Rescue teams are facing difficult challenges during the search operations due to rugged terrain, high water levels, and environmental hazards such as water snakes. The search continues for dozens of missing persons, including 10 girls and a female guide from the affected camp.

Official statements and warnings of new floods

Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that 41 people are currently missing, with more likely as the search continues. The governor stressed that the extent of the devastation at the Mystic camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River was "horrific and unprecedented," emphasizing authorities' commitment to finding all those missing.

In the same context, the National Weather Service warned of the risk of continued thunderstorms, which could lead to further flash flooding, especially as the soil becomes waterlogged. Officials urged residents of the threatened areas to exercise extreme caution, with rain expected to continue through Tuesday.

Historic floods and links to climate change

The flooding began last Friday, with Texas receiving months' worth of rain in just a few hours. Water levels rose at a record-breaking speed of nearly 8 meters in 45 minutes, sweeping away homes and vehicles.

Authorities noted that although these floods are not historically rare, human-induced climate change has increased their frequency and severity. Official reports warned that the speed and high levels of the floods were shocking and unexpected, necessitating a review of disaster preparedness plans.

The Scientific Reasons Behind Texas' Severe Weather

Arab Weather experts explained that the scientific reason behind these devastating floods is due to the rush of very hot and humid air currents coming from the Gulf of Mexico toward the skies of Texas. These currents pumped massive amounts of water vapor into the layers of the atmosphere close to the Earth's surface. This coincided with the presence of a cold air mass in the upper layers of the atmosphere coming from the northern regions, leading to the emergence of violent weather disturbances.

This atmospheric collision between the two air masses—hot and humid on one side, and cold on the other—led to the formation of giant cumulus clouds with great vertical extension, accompanied by severe thunderstorms and extremely heavy rains over a short period of time. This caused flash floods and a record-breaking rise in water levels.

Arab Weather experts note that these weather systems are considered among the most unstable weather systems the region has ever seen, particularly given the combination of local factors such as terrain and waterlogging, which have compounded the scale of the disaster.

And God knows best.