McALLEN, Texas — Drenching rains along the Texas-Mexico border trapped hundreds of people in flooded homes and in cars stranded in high waters, scrambling rescue crews to calls for help that continued Friday even as the downpours let up. At least four people died, including some who drowned.
The severe weather conditions led to widespread showers in North Texas, with storms expected to follow. The storms brought record-breaking rainfall to parts of Texas’ low-lying Rio Grande Valley, causing devastating damage to the region. Officials warned that the full extent of the devastation was only starting to come into focus.
In Mexico, hundreds of people sought temporary shelter, and videos on social media showed military personnel wading through chest-high waters. The U.S. side of the border also experienced significant flooding, with at least three people killed in Hidalgo County. The county reported more than 21 inches of rain, soaking the city of Harlingen and causing significant losses to agriculture and livestock.
The region is rich with farmland, and Texas’ agriculture commissioner said the damage included significant losses to agriculture and livestock. Jionni Ochoa, a resident of Palm Valley, near Harlingen, described the situation in his home, saying, “The bed is the only thing dry right now, because the sofas are soaked. Everything is soaked.” Ochoa and his wife were still waiting to be rescued Friday as the water inside their home reached their knees.
Ochoa explained that water started coming into their house the previous night and began pouring out of the electrical sockets. They turned off the power and tried to save as much as they could, but the rain and water made it difficult. “Things I stacked up, the rain, the water made it float, and it knocked it down. So everything got messed up, everything got ruined,” Ochoa said.
Hidalgo County officials reported that they did not immediately have more information about the three deaths except that they involved law enforcement efforts. The Mexican state of Tamaulipas reported that an 83-year-old man drowned in Reynosa, which is across the border from McAllen, Texas. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a statement that the driver of a vehicle suspected of taking part in migrant smuggling tried crossing a flooded roadway in Hidalgo County and plunged into a canal.
The agency said the body of one person who drowned was recovered, and another was missing. It was not immediately known if those were among the deaths reported by county officials. In Alamo, a small Texas border city, crews responded to more than 100 water rescues, including people stranded in vehicles and trapped in homes, Fire Department Chief R.C. Flores said.
Dozens more rescues were made in nearby Weslaco, which was inundated with about 14 inches of rain, according to Mayor Adrian Gonzalez. “It’s a historic rainstorm, and it’s affecting all the Valley, not just Weslaco,” Gonzalez said. Thousands of power outages were reported, and more than 20 school districts and college campuses canceled classes.
Valley International Airport in Harlingen was closed Friday, and all flights were canceled. Between 7 and 12 inches of rain fell in parts of northeastern Mexico, according to Tamaulipas authorities. Luis Gerardo González de la Fuente, state coordinator of emergencies, said the most affected city was Reynosa, but conditions were also dangerous in the border cities of Rio Bravo, Miguel Aleman, and part of Matamoros, south of Brownsville, Texas.
Some 640 military personnel were deployed in the area. Authorities said electricity was being restored as water levels dropped but did not clarify how many people were still without this service. In Texas, Emma Alaniz was resigned to not being able to leave her home in a colonia, which is an unincorporated neighborhood usually located in a rural area of a county with underdeveloped infrastructure.
She described her home as being on “an island.” “For today, I won’t be able to go anywhere, because I don’t have a big vehicle,” she said. “I have a small car, and I won’t be able to take it out to the flooded street.” The situation in Texas and Mexico is a reminder of the importance of being prepared for severe weather conditions and the need for emergency services to be equipped to handle such situations.
In related news, a measles outbreak in West Texas has led to the death of a second unvaccinated child. The outbreak is the state’s largest in decades and is concentrated in West Texas. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is the best protection against measles, and experts recommend that children receive two doses of the vaccine, one at 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years of age.
Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 may need to get revaccinated, as the vaccine used at that time was not as effective as the current vaccine. Measles is a highly contagious virus that can linger in the air for up to two hours, making it easy to spread. The virus can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
As the situation in Texas and Mexico continues to unfold, it is essential to stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The public can track measles cases during the Texas outbreak with interactive graphics and stay up to date with the latest news and information.
In conclusion, the severe weather conditions in Texas and Mexico have caused significant damage and loss of life. It is crucial for the public to be aware of the situation and take necessary precautions to stay safe. The measles outbreak in West Texas is also a reminder of the importance of vaccination and taking preventive measures to protect against contagious diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What is the current situation in Texas and Mexico?
A: The severe weather conditions have caused significant flooding, damage, and loss of life in both Texas and Mexico. The situation is still unfolding, and the public is advised to stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Q: What is the measles outbreak in West Texas?
A: The measles outbreak in West Texas is the state’s largest in decades and is concentrated in West Texas. The outbreak has led to the death of two unvaccinated children, and the public is advised to take preventive measures to protect against the disease.
Q: How can I protect myself against measles?
A: The best protection against measles is the MMR vaccine. Children should receive two doses of the vaccine, one at 12-15 months of age and another at 4-6 years of age. Adults who were vaccinated before 1968 may need to get revaccinated.
Q: What are the symptoms of measles?
A: The symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, and a rash. The virus can cause serious complications, such as pneumonia and encephalitis, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Q: How can I stay informed about the situation in Texas and Mexico?
A: The public can stay informed about the situation in Texas and Mexico by following the latest news and updates from reliable sources. Interactive graphics and maps can also help track measles cases during the Texas outbreak.
