The recent flash floods in Texas have resulted in a devastating toll, with over 100 fatalities, including several children who were at summer camps. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has expressed its condolences and emphasized the difficulty of ensuring effective early warning alerts for the entire population. This natural phenomenon is classified among the deadliest, causing more than 5,000 deaths annually worldwide.
Analysis of the floods indicates that they account for approximately 85% of all flood incidents and have one of the highest mortality rates, compared to other types like river and coastal floods. In this case, the National Weather Service issued a warning over twelve hours ahead of the potential flooding in Kerr County. However, the situation became critical in the early morning when the waters of the Guadalupe River rose nearly eight meters in just 45 minutes.
The tragedy was exacerbated by the lack of effective alert systems at the camps, as well as the fact that many people were asleep when emergency alerts were issued. Climate instability also played a crucial role, as tropical rains affecting Mexico unleashed precipitation of between 10 and 18 inches in a matter of hours, causing rivers in the region to overflow.
Climate change and rapid urbanization are exacerbating the frequency and intensity of these events. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, contributing to extreme rainfall episodes. The WMO defines flash floods as phenomena that manifest quickly following intense rainfall, generating a sudden rise in water levels and causing devastation to infrastructure and communities, especially in urban and mountainous areas.
The socioeconomic repercussions are equally alarming, with annual losses exceeding $50 billion globally. According to a World Bank study, approximately 1.81 billion people, representing 23% of the global population, are at risk of severe flooding, with most of them in low- and middle-income countries.
To address this challenge, the WMO has implemented the Flash Flood Guidance System, which provides real-time forecasts and early warnings to over 70 countries, aiming to mitigate the impact of these devastating events.
via: MiMub in Spanish
