At least five dead after flash floods in Pennsylvania: Search for baby and 2-year-old sister is in full swing | outside

The most severe flooding occurred on Saturday afternoon in the town of Upper Macfield, near Trenton and close to the New Jersey border. Local fire chief Tim Brewer said more than 180 mm of rain fell in 45 minutes. “I’ve never experienced anything like this in my 44-year career,” he said at a news conference.

The victims were dragged in their cars through the rough waters. At least 11 cars were taken. The two missing children, a nine-month-old boy and his two-year-old sister, from Charleston, South Carolina, were on their way to a barbecue with their parents, grandmother and older brother when they were in the car. suspended in the water.

Brewer says the father and his 4-year-old son “miraculously” survived. Unfortunately, the mother and grandmother were not: they were dragged along with the two youngest children by the water and were later found lifeless. At least 150 rescue workers are collectively searching for the children. “We’re treating this as a rescue operation, but we’re sure we’re in rescue mode right now,” said the fire chief of the missing persons. But we continue to search for the two children. We don’t give up.”

The United States is currently experiencing extreme weather events. While millions of people in the south of the country are suffering from a heat wave, the northeastern region has been hit by several floods in recent days.

On Sunday, the US Weather Service issued another flood warning for parts of New York states, including the city of the same name, and Connecticut. About 5 million people live in these regions. New York Governor Kathy Hochul urged residents to stay indoors due to an unpredictable rainstorm.

A hurricane warning is also in effect for Long Island and much of New England. Hundreds of flights have also been canceled or delayed at JFK and LaGuardia airports in New York.