India, July 10 -- The deadly flash floods in central Texas that claimed more than 100 lives over the July Fourth weekend have underscored the devastating power of this fast-onset hazard - and the critical challenge of ensuring early warnings reach vulnerable populations, even in the dead of night.
The World Meteorological Organization said that the tragedy highlights growing global challenges around extreme rainfall, warning dissemination and community preparedness.
Flash floods are the most lethal form of flooding, responsible for more than 5,000 deaths annually and 85 per cent of all flood-related fatalities worldwide, according to WMO data. The UN agency estimates that such natural disasters result in economic losses of more than $50 b...