How much more can Texas take? First, a heat wave scorched the state all summer. Now nearly two feet of heavy rain has caused deadly flooding over the web of rivers that crisscross central and south Texas. At least 29 people have died in the floods, which have caused about $500million in damage. Thousands of people were forced to flee their flooded homes by foot, boat or helicopter.
As many as 50,000 cows were set loose in the 60 flooded counties, as the raging waters knocked down fences. Some cows were swept along the rivers for 18 miles before being captured by cowboys! Others scrambled for the safety of hills and rooftops, but many did not survive.
Governor George W. Bush viewed the Guadalupe River region by helicopter on Tuesday. "It's hard to imagine how powerful the river was," he said. "It was devastating to see."