Disaster Overview - Western Washington experienced severe flooding due to heavy rainfall, with up to 16 inches (approximately 406 mm) of rain since Monday [1] - Four rivers in western Washington reached major flood stages [1] - Communities, including Burlington, Washington, were instructed to evacuate [1] Impact on Residents - Homes were flooded, with water entering basements and first floors [2][5] - Some residents were stranded and required rescue by the National Guard and Coast Guard [1][4] - Residents experienced property damage, including vehicles submerged in water [3] Rescue and Response Efforts - The National Guard used trucks to navigate flooded streets and assist in rescues [1] - Rescue workers used rafts to save stranded motorists [1] - The Coast Guard hoisted people to safety from rooftops of submerged homes [4] - First responders conducted door-to-door checks to ensure the safety of residents, especially those who did not evacuate [5] Ongoing Situation - Officials warned residents that the threat of flooding was not over [4] - A cleanup process is underway [5]

Disaster Preparedness and Response - Rescue organization Greybull Rescue is deploying teams to Aruba, the Caymans, and Florida to prepare for potential rescue operations following a catastrophic hurricane [2][3] - The team anticipates needing to rescue and evacuate people, especially those whose homes have been destroyed or compromised [3][4] - The primary concern is the high sustained winds associated with the hurricane, which are expected to cause significant structural damage [4][5] Comparative Analysis and Infrastructure - The infrastructure in Jamaica is fundamentally different from that of the United States, particularly Florida, in terms of building codes, fire department resources, and access to the National Guard and Coast Guard [6] - Jamaica's structural codes and permitting processes are less robust than those in the United States, making it more vulnerable to severe hurricane damage [6] - A Category Five hurricane in Jamaica is expected to be extremely severe compared to a similar hurricane in a place like Tampa, Florida, due to infrastructure differences [6] Potential Impact - The hurricane is expected to widen economic disparities and negatively impact vulnerable populations [1] - The sustained wind is expected to cause roofs to be ripped off, putting people at risk [5]

Disaster Overview - Rescue operations are ongoing by land, air, and water in the Texas Hill Country [1] - The death toll is rising, with 59 people found dead in Kirk County along the Guadalupe River, including 21 children [1] - 12 people are still missing from Camp Mystic, including 11 campers and one counselor [1] Impact Assessment - Officials do not know the total number of missing people, including vacationers [2] - Families are desperate for answers as rescue operations continue [2] - The situation is described as heartbreaking with every update indicating further loss [2]