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Flood waters inundated a number of homes in Edmond, Okla. after as much as 10 inches of rain hit some areas in a matter of hours. (Paul Hellstern/Daily Oklahoman/Ap) |
At least 1 dead, 136 hurt in Okla. flood
OKLAHOMA CITY — Record-breaking rainfall and ensuing flooding in Oklahoma led to at least one death, officials confirmed yesterday, a day after several dramatic rescues of people who took to treetops and roofs to escape swift-moving waters.
A man who drove onto a submerged street drowned after being swept away while trying to push his stalled car off the roadway in Lawton, said Chris Killmer, Comanche County emergency management director. The body of Miguel Lopez, 50, was found lodged against a bridge over a canal, Lawton Police Chief Ronnie Smith said.
Lopez’s death was the only fatality reported during Monday’s deluge.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health reported 136 injuries, but none requiring hospitalization.
Fire officials in Oklahoma City and the nearby suburb of Edmond launched more than 60 swift-water rescues after thunderstorms dumped as much as 10 inches of rain in some areas in a matter of hours.
More rain fell Monday night, and the National Weather Service said the 7.62 inches at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City topped the previous record of 7.53 inches set on Sept. 22, 1970.
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