MFD responds to nearly 30 water rescues in six hours amid heavy rain

MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ) – The Midland Fire Department responded to 28 water rescue calls between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. on Friday, August 30 amid major flooding across the area caused by widespread rain and thunderstorms.

The National Weather Service reported 1.6 inches of rain between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. At Midland Airpark, according to a release from the City of Midland.

“Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that over half of all flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into hazardous flood water,” the NWS said in its “Turn Around Don’t Drown” campaign.

“People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in cars swept downstream. Many of these drownings are preventable. Never drive around the barriers blocking a flooded road. The road may have collapsed under that water.  A mere 6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars and just 2 feet of rushing water can carry away SUVs and trucks,” the NWS continued.

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