In the wake of relentless storms battering Texas, a heartbreaking discovery unfolded near Fort Worth on Sunday: the recovery of a young boy’s body from floodwaters.
This tragedy marks the first reported fatality amidst widespread search and rescue operations across rain-soaked regions, where over a third of Texas counties have declared disasters due to the severe weather.
Johnson County Emergency Management Coordinator Jamie Moore shared details of the incident, explaining that responders were alerted to a vehicle trapped in rapidly flowing water overnight.
Although three individuals managed to escape, they recounted that the boy was swept away as they attempted to navigate to safety on foot.
Rescue efforts also yielded the successful retrieval of a man and woman, said Moore, who extended condolences and urged prayers for the grieving family.
The relentless rainfall has caused rivers to swell further south, leading to extensive flooding of homes and businesses and forcing thousands to flee.
In Harris County, 224 individuals have been rescued from flooded residences and vehicles, with evacuation orders and flood watches still in place.
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized the severity of the situation, highlighting the rescue of 153 pets amid the ongoing deluge.
Hidalgo described the widespread impact on infrastructure and cautioned against hasty returns to affected areas.
As water levels begin to recede in some regions on Sunday, the threat remains high in others, underscoring the ongoing challenges posed by the severe weather.
