2025-07-19 12:00:44.552

Sixty miles of river, murky waters, thick mud, and insurmountable piles of debris—this is the scene in central Texas following the devastating July Fourth flooding. The search for around 100 missing people is a painstaking and ongoing effort. Images show search teams sifting through debris piles as tall as two stories. The recovery, using hand-sifting and specialized diving techniques, is expected to take months. Over 1,000 local, state, and federal responders, along with thousands of volunteers, work 12-hour shifts with minimal breaks. Teams eat protein- and carb-rich meals to fuel their efforts. The emotional toll is significant, with volunteers experiencing burnout from hours of digging through mud and debris, often finding nothing. Inclement weather has further complicated the search, with volunteers temporarily evacuated due to flash flood warnings. Authorities are exploring the feasibility of draining Nimitz Lake to aid the search. Many debris piles on private property require heavy machinery for removal, and residents are warned not to burn debris due to the potential presence of remains. The search is meticulously documented using a grid system, recording search frequency, assets used, and water levels. One particularly challenging area, dubbed the "suck pile," consists of massive rock and sediment deposits. Search methods include visual inspection, scent detection by dogs, and underwater searches by divers. Safety is paramount, with teams prioritizing their well-being while ensuring thoroughness in the search. Experts predict that the recovery effort could last for months, or even years.

2025-06-12 12:00:41.14

The death toll from devastating floods in South Africa's Eastern Cape province has tragically risen to 57, according to Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa. The flooding, described as a "real disaster and a catastrophe" by the minister, has impacted the town of Mthatha and surrounding areas. Rescue teams are continuing their search for missing individuals, including four high school students swept away when their bus was caught in the floodwaters. Six students on the bus perished, while three survived by clinging to trees. The floods, resulting from an extreme cold front bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and snow, have caused extensive damage. At least 58 schools and 20 hospitals have been damaged, leaving hundreds of families homeless. Critical infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has also been severely affected. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has activated the National Disaster Management Center to aid local authorities, and he is scheduled to visit the affected area. The Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, has stated that this is one of the worst weather-related disasters the province has ever faced.