Heavy rains along the Texas-Mexico border have caused severe flooding, leading to ongoing rescue efforts and tragic loss of life. On Friday, the downpour that had trapped residents in their homes and stranded drivers began to ease, but the aftermath of the storms was still being felt across the region.
Local officials reported that at least three people died due to the storms, with one incident involving U.S. Border Patrol agents. The agents were responding to a vehicle suspected of human smuggling when the driver attempted to cross a flooded road in Edcouch, resulting in the vehicle plunging into a canal.
In Harlingen, the rainfall reached a staggering 21.5 inches this week, breaking a record set over a century ago. The heavy rains fell primarily on Thursday, causing extensive flooding and prompting authorities to rescue over 200 residents, with many more still waiting for help.
“This has been a historic and challenging event for the city,” said Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda. “But we will get through this together.”
In nearby Alamo, the police and fire department responded to more than 100 water rescues, dealing with people trapped in vehicles and homes. Officials estimated that several hundred homes were affected by the flooding in the city.
Weslaco was also hard hit, receiving around 14 inches of rain, leading to 30 to 40 rescues. Mayor Adrian Gonzalez described the storm as historic, noting that the entire Rio Grande Valley was impacted.
Television footage showed abandoned cars and residents waiting for the floodwaters to recede. Areas across South Texas saw between 6 to 12 inches of rain in just 24 hours. In Cameron County, officials requested a disaster declaration after over 17 inches of rain caused significant flooding.
The Valley International Airport in Harlingen was closed, with all flights canceled due to the flooding. Officials are working to ensure safety and reopen the airport as soon as possible.
As of Friday afternoon, more than 3,400 residents in several counties were without power. Flood warnings remained in effect for parts of South Texas, including Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties. The National Weather Service warned that while the rain had stopped, any additional rainfall could quickly lead to more flooding.
Several shelters were opened for displaced residents, and more than 20 school districts canceled classes due to the severe weather. Community leaders are assessing the situation and coordinating rescue efforts as they continue to respond to this challenging situation.