San Antonio Reels After Historic Flooding Kills 13

San Antonio, Texas, USA - The city of San Antonio is grappling with the aftermath of devastating flash floods that struck on June 11th and 12th, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming at least 13 lives. A month's worth of rainfall was dumped on the city in a matter of hours, overwhelming infrastructure and triggering widespread emergencies.

Normally accustomed to around 75mm (3 inches) of rain in June, San Antonio was inundated with nearly 250mm (10 inches) in a single night. Weather stations recorded even higher rainfall amounts in surrounding areas, with Mico, Texas, registering over 215mm (8.5 inches) in just 24 hours – more than double the average monthly total. Coastal areas near Carancahua Bay were particularly hard hit, with some gauges recording over 355mm (14 inches) of rainfall.

The intense downpour led to rapid and dangerous flooding, trapping drivers on roadways and necessitating numerous water rescues. Tragically, many were caught unaware by the swift-moving currents.

"Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those lost during this tragic event," the San Antonio Fire Department stated on their social media channels, confirming that all missing persons have now been accounted for.

Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed his condolences and praised the efforts of first responders. "Our hearts are with the families of those we've lost to this week's flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones," he stated. "I want to personally thank our San Antonio first responders and their families for their sacrifices toward the recovery efforts."

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the unfolding disaster. Residents described receiving desperate calls from loved ones trapped in their vehicles, struggling against the rising floodwaters. Stories of vehicles being swept away by the powerful currents highlight the severity of the situation.

The San Antonio Fire Department responded to 70 water rescue incidents and 16 "high-water investigations," underscoring the scale of the emergency. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of flash flooding and the importance of heeding weather warnings, particularly in regions prone to sudden and intense rainfall events.

The city is now focused on recovery efforts as residents begin to assess the damage and rebuild their lives. The devastating floods have prompted questions about infrastructure resilience and preparedness for extreme weather events in a changing climate.