Texas and New Mexico Floods: Over 160 Missing Amid Rising Death Toll

The recent catastrophic floods in Texas and New Mexico have resulted in grave human and infrastructural losses. In Texas, over 160 people remain missing following severe flooding, with the death toll rising to at least 109. The hardest-hit region is Kerr County, where significant fatalities were reported, including 27 individuals from a summer camp. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving helicopters, drones, and search dogs. However, the efforts are hindered by hazardous conditions and large debris piles. Governor Greg Abbott has indicated that the number of missing individuals is likely to increase as recovery efforts continue.

In neighboring New Mexico, flash floods in Ruidoso have claimed the lives of three individuals, including two children. The Rio Ruidoso experienced a historic rise in water levels, sweeping away entire homes and causing extensive damage. Emergency services have been conducting rescues, but the full extent of the destruction remains unclear.

The flooding in both states has been partly attributed to a prolonged drought followed by torrential rains, which the dry ground was unable to absorb. Experts have linked the severity of these weather events to climate change, which is known to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather. President Donald Trump plans to visit the affected areas in Texas, while the response efforts continue to be supported by federal resources. The situation has also sparked criticism of budget cuts to critical weather and climate agencies, emphasizing the importance of meteorological expertise in managing such disasters.