Tropical storm Debby leaves five dead and severe flooding in the southeastern U.S.

Tropical storm Debby leaves five dead and severe flooding in the southeastern U.S.

Tropical storm Debby wreaks havoc in the southeastern U.S., leaving five dead and causing severe flooding, while an emergency is declared in several areas.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros

Juan Brignardello Vela

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, se especializa en brindar asesoramiento y gestión comercial en el ámbito de seguros y reclamaciones por siniestros para destacadas empresas en el mercado peruano e internacional.

Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, y Vargas Llosa, premio Nobel Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, en celebración de Alianza Lima Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro Eléctrica Juan Brignardello, asesor de seguros, Central Hidro

Tropical Storm Debby has left a trail of devastation in the southeastern United States, claiming the lives of five people and unleashing torrential rain that, according to meteorologists, could reach historic levels. On Tuesday, authorities continue to battle the effects of the storm, while multiple communities are under a state of emergency. The situation is serious, and worsening weather conditions are expected in the coming hours. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp tragically reported the death of a 19-year-old in Moultrie, raising the total number of victims to five. In Florida, where Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane, additional deaths were recorded, including a 13-year-old and a 64-year-old man, who lost their lives in incidents related to fallen trees and vehicular accidents on flooded roads. The federal government's response has been swift. President Joe Biden approved emergency declarations for Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida, which enables additional resources and allows for the intervention of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This action aims to provide immediate assistance to save lives and protect property amid this crisis. Debby, with sustained winds of 65 km/h, is currently located just 130 kilometers southwest of Charleston, South Carolina. The city has implemented a curfew and closed some roads due to flooding. Mayor William Cogswell highlighted that up to 20 centimeters of rain have been recorded in the city, and it is anticipated that the rain will continue for at least another 14 hours. The intense rainfall is not limited to Charleston, as other areas of South Carolina, such as Pollton and Edisto Beach, have reported rain accumulations of 35 and 30 centimeters, respectively. Consequently, the governors of the Carolinas and Georgia have urged the public to remain alert for the possibility of unprecedented flooding. The National Hurricane Center has warned that Debby could produce potentially catastrophic rainfall totals, reaching up to 63 centimeters in some areas before the storm moves out to the Atlantic. Meteorologists have alerted to the severe risk of flooding in the southeast, leading to evacuations in some areas and the mobilization of rescue teams. Meanwhile, in Savannah, Georgia, firefighters have rescued at least 18 people trapped in flooded areas. The situation is critical, and rescuers continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens. In Florida, approximately 92,000 homes and offices are without electricity, and in Georgia and South Carolina, another 22,000 people are facing the same situation. Heavy downpours have also affected other regions, such as Sarasota on Florida's west coast, where more than 43 centimeters of rain have been recorded. Local authorities are on alert as the outer bands of Debby continue to wreak havoc in the area. The hurricane season in the Atlantic basin, which began on June 1, has already been active, with the formation of four tropical storms to date. Meteorologists have predicted an active season, with the possibility of up to 25 storms and 13 hurricanes in total. In this crisis context, the resilience of the affected communities is being tested. Recovery from the devastation caused by Debby will take time, but collaboration among local, state, and federal governments will be key to facing the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, the population continues to live through moments of tension and anguish, hoping that the storm will finish unleashing its fury and provide an opportunity to return to normalcy in their lives.

View All The Latest In the world