Houston, September 20 (RHC)-- At least two people have died in Texas after Tropical Depression Imelda dumped more than 40 inches of rain on the Houston area over three days. It’s being described as one of the worst freshwater floods in U.S. history. 

More than 1,000 people had to be rescued on Thursday from the fast-rising waters.  The storm also forced Exxon to shut down its massive oil refinery in Beaumont.  In some areas, the floodwaters rose higher than during Hurricane Harvey two years ago.

Observers blame recent intense storms on climate change.  In related news, the Red Cross has shed new light on the escalating climate crisis.  The Red Cross says an average of 2 million people need humanitarian aid every week due to storms, droughts and floods, and the figure is expected to double in coming decades if governments fail to cut emissions.