At least 11 confirmed dead in San Antonio flooding, with unknown number still missing
NBCMAY 30
San Antonio Flash Floods Kill 11, Several Still Missing
Above: Boats on a river in San Antonio. Image copyright: Unsplash
The Spin
Narrative A
This tragedy underscores the devastating consequences of inadequate flood infrastructure and poor urban planning in rapidly expanding cities. San Antonio's thin soil layer over bedrock creates dangerous conditions where water cannot be absorbed, turning streets into deadly torrents within minutes. The city's 141 low-water crossings are death traps that should have been upgraded years ago.
Narrative B
These flash floods highlight an unavoidable natural disaster that overwhelms even well-prepared emergency response systems. The rainfall amounts were unprecedented — a 1-in-50 to 1-in-100-year event that no infrastructure could handle. First responders performed heroically, conducting over 70 rescues and deploying specialized search teams immediately.