News Summary
San Antonio has been severely impacted by flash flooding that has resulted in the loss of 13 lives. The tragic events began with excessive rainfall leading to rapid water accumulation. Rescue operations saw both the recovery of bodies and the dramatic rescue of stranded individuals in life-threatening situations. A vigil is planned to honor the victims as the city reflects on this disaster and seeks ways to improve future flood management. Local leaders emphasize the importance of community support and improved infrastructure to prevent such tragedies in the future.
San Antonio has experienced a devastating impact from flash flooding that has claimed the lives of 13 individuals. The death toll was confirmed on Saturday, June 15, when authorities identified the final two victims: 43-year-old Derwin Anderson and 41-year-old Roseann Cobb. Anderson’s body was recovered near Callaghan Road and Highway 90, while Cobb was found in the Wurzbach Parkway area.
The fatal flooding incident began on the night of June 11 and extended through June 12, with excessive rain causing severe water accumulation. In certain regions, nearly 10 inches of rain fell within a short time frame, leading to rapid water level rises. A rain gauge in Mico, Texas, recorded 8.49 inches of rainfall over a 24-hour period, significantly surpassing the average for June, which is less than half of that amount.
Initial reports on June 12 indicated five fatalities as emergency calls flooded police and firefighting services around 4:15 a.m. for individuals trapped by the rising waters on Loop 410 near Perrin Beitel. In total, approximately 19 people were stranded in the floodwaters at that critical time. Rescuers successfully saved 10 individuals who were clinging to trees about a mile from the initial site of entry into the swift current.
As recovery efforts progressed, bodies were recovered from various locations, with 11 victims found in the Perrin Beitel search area alone, while others were discovered several miles upstream and in the Highway 90 Leon Creek area. By Saturday, June 15, the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office had identified 12 out of the 13 victims. The subsequent confirmations included Carlos Valdez III, aged 67, who was also among the casualties.
Extent of Flooding Damage
The flash floods resulted in substantial damage, sweeping away 15 vehicles from the Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel access road into the adjacent creek below. In total, San Antonio firefighters recorded more than 70 water rescue incidents and conducted 16 high-water investigations throughout the flooding event. Multiple search and rescue operations focused on low-lying roadways typically vulnerable to flooding risks.
By Saturday, June 15, extensive ground searches across creek beds and debris fields marked the conclusion of recovery efforts. Despite this, flooding continued to affect local infrastructure, with reports indicating four roadways remained closed, down from an initial count of 18 closures caused by flooding and debris.
Community Response and Continued Recovery
As the city grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, local leaders expressed their condolences. A vigil is scheduled for June 18 to honor the victims and highlight the necessity of implementing preventive measures to mitigate future flooding risks in the community.
The city observed an outpouring of support for those affected and a recognition of the efforts made by first responders during this natural disaster. The swift actions of emergency personnel are noted for preventing further casualties as they worked tirelessly in dangerous conditions.
This incident serves as a reminder of the potential for extreme weather events and the importance of preparedness and response strategies in safeguarding lives. The San Antonio community continues to recover while reflecting on the tragic loss of life and finding ways to enhance safety in the face of severe weather challenges.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Flooding
- USA Today
- Google Search: San Antonio Flooding
- New York Times
- Google Scholar: San Antonio Flooding
- KENS 5
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Antonio Flooding
- News4SanAntonio
- Google News: San Antonio Flooding
