Torrential rains lead to floods in Houston - at least five dead

Torrential rains have led to flooding in Houston and closing of major interstate highways and has led to at least five deaths. The storms are believed to be an integral part of a wide weather system which have left flood warnings in place for Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas and Fort Worth. Incidentally, Houston is practically at sea level and is known for its soft soil and is prone to flooding.
It may be recalled that last year, heavy rains had resulted in severe flooding in the southwest of the city. And, in 2001, Tropical Storm Allison had dumped up to 29 inches of rain on parts of the city.
This has been reported in news.sky.com dated 19 April 2016.

The deaths were of people trapped in their vehicles that got caught up in the fury of the waters. The rain gauges in Harris County, which includes most of Houston, have revealed nearly 20 inches of rain since Sunday night. The city mayor has advised residents to remain indoors as a "stubborn" weather system continues to bring more rain into the week.
Already around 1,000 people have been taken from apartment complexes in the north of the city to a shopping mall after floodwater forced them out from their homes. Thousands of homes outside Houston were flooded and, at least 450 high-water rescues have been carried out.
Even animals had to be rescued - more than 70 horses were trapped up to their necks in water when their stables were flooded.


Image courtesy wikimediacommons.org

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