Overview

• Torrential rains on July 4 and 5 triggered flash floods that swept away campsites and highways in the Guadalupe River region.
• Search operations have expanded into remote canyons and riverside communities where washed-out roads hinder access.
• FEMA and state agencies have mobilized additional personnel and equipment to reinforce local recovery efforts.
• Flash floods cause more than 125 deaths annually on average, making them the deadliest form of storm-related disaster in the US.
• Experts say intensifying rainfall trends are exposing weaknesses in flood control infrastructure and emergency response systems.