Water Supply Shortage Persists Despite Power Restoration
Additional Fatalities Expected to Take Time to Confirm
[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] The death toll from the cold wave centered in Texas and the southern United States has approached 60. Although the cold has somewhat eased, the number of deaths is expected to increase over time. While the power outage has been resolved, residents are still suffering due to water shortages.
On the 19th (local time), the Associated Press reported that at least 58 people across the United States, including Texas, have died due to the cold wave.
Emergency water distribution is taking place in the Houston, Texas area. [Image source=AP Yonhap News]
Many deaths were caused by hypothermia due to heating being cut off or carbon monoxide poisoning from using gas appliances in enclosed spaces such as garages or cars. There were also numerous deaths from car accidents on icy roads and fires.
Although temperatures in Texas have returned to normal levels, they are expected to drop below freezing again that evening, raising concerns about additional damage.
The current death toll is not accurate. Due to the nature of the United States, where houses are far apart and many residents live in suburban areas, confirming deaths is often delayed. The Washington Post (WP) predicted that police and administrative authorities will check residents' safety next week as the weather warms, and additional deaths may be confirmed during this process.
Most of the power has been restored in Texas, which suffered the worst power outages, but it is still difficult to obtain water and food.
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the Texas power grid, announced that the power system returned to normal that day. Only 140,000 out of 12.5 million households remain without electricity. The largest power outage in Texas reached 4.5 million households.
Although power has been restored, water supply is now the problem. Many people are struggling without drinking water due to frozen water pipes and malfunctions at water treatment facilities.
Texas authorities reported that water supply has been cut off to 14.4 million people in 160 counties.
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