Flash floods that ravaged Texas over the weekend have killed at least 82 people and left many others missing in the state in the southern United States.The deaths and destruction caused by the floods have brought the government’s response and warning systems under scrutiny. A warning for flash floods in parts of Texas remains in place through Monday, and the search for missing people continues.
Here is more about what happened in Texas and how the government has responded:
What happened and what caused the floods in Texas?
While residents were still asleep early on Friday, flash floods hit Texas Hill Country, a region spanning central and southern Texas. In under two hours, the Guadalupe River swelled beyond its banks, surging higher than two-storey buildings at about 9 metres (30ft).
Drone footage taken on Saturday showed entire neighbourhoods inundated with high volumes of water.
Flash floods take place when large volumes of rain pour down rapidly and the ground is not able to absorb it. Central Texas is called “flash flood alley” because it is especially susceptible to flooding.
Where were the worst floods?
Kerr County was hit the hardest by the floods, which struck on US Independence Day and the start of a long holiday weekend.
The county, home to more than 52,000 people, sits on the Edwards Plateau in central Texas. The county is home to parks and outdoor sites as well as cultural hubs, including the Museum of Western Art.
(Al Jazeera)
What is Camp Mystic in Texas?
Many girls were killed and others wen …