A thousand people are blocked by heavy rains. The scene takes place on Friday, August 5, in California’s Death Valley National Park. Record rainfall followed by exceptional flooding has closed access roads to one of the most popular national parks in the United States, which welcomed 1.7 million tourists in 2019. About 500 visitors and 500 employees, all safe and sound, were able to evacuate from below. police escort.
This event is historic at this park, which is described on its website as “the hottest place in the world and the driest place in North America“. “Almost a year’s worth of rain fell in three hours. This caused a lot of damage with all the roads in the park being closed“The National Park Service (NPS), the US government agency responsible for national parks in particular, says on its social networks. And to clarify that such bad weather happens only once in a thousand years.
“Climate Change in Action”
Highway No. 190 was covered with mud and debris for about 50 kilometers. The main gate of the park will remain closed at least until August 17. As for other roads, they may remain impassable for several weeks or even months, it is time to restore them. The NPS advises visitors not to attempt to enter the park, especially as more stormy episodes are expected later in the week.
“Death Valley is the place of all extremesMike Reynolds, director of the park, emphasizes on Instagram. This week’s flood is an example. With climate change models predicting more frequent and intense storms, this is where you can see climate change in action.»
Source: Le Figaro
