Hundreds Flee Rising Rio Grande

Hundreds of Texans evacuated their homes as flood waters that ravaged the border town of Del Rio rolled down the Rio Grande toward Laredo. The river was expected to crest 25 to 27 feet above flood level. About 2,000 people living near the river were urged to get out. About 800 had gone to city shelters, Laredo spokesman Marco Alvarado said. The river had covered a park and mall parking lot. The Rio Grande was swelled by drenching rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Charley, which swamped Del Rio, leaving 14 people dead on both sides of the border with Mexico.