Kathmandu, February 20. US President Joe Biden on Friday declared a “major disaster” in Texas and ordered the government to open up federal aid for immediate response.

Almost 4 lakh households in areas of Texas have been affected by the winter storms. On Tuesday, 4.1 million people suffered from power outages. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas(ERCOT) stated that the static electric circuits supplying the areas in Texas are not designed to operate in record-low temperatures.

Almost 13 million people are facing difficulties accessing clean water. Due to extreme temperatures, water in the tap supply system turned into ice. People are forced to boil snow to make water. US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) instructed that all water planned for consumption – even if filtered – must be boiled as it may be contaminated.

Texas which is known for its desert lands and heatwaves is now experiencing coldest temperatures in centuries. Parts of Texas hit extreme low temperatures of -18°C last week, breaking the previous record of -11°C in 1895. 

So far, at least 60 people have died due to extreme temperatures across the US. The blanket of snow is also causing massive road accidents. 6-people died when 130 vehicles collided on Interstate 35 last week. 

Mr Biden is planning to visit Texas next week after the power service returns back to normal.