Some 27 individuals, including nine children, have been confirmed dead due to devastating flash floods in central Texas, officials stated on Saturday. Rescue operations are ongoing, with a frantic search underway for dozens still unaccounted for, particularly from a summer camp where several young girls are reportedly missing.
In Kerr County, Texas, over 800 evacuees have been displaced as floodwaters began to recede around the Guadalupe River, located approximately 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha affirmed, “We will not stop until every single person is found,” emphasizing the commitment to locate those still missing.
Among the missing are 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, where approximately 700 campers were present when the flood struck. Witness accounts reveal that river levels surged by 29 feet in a matter of hours, catching many off guard. The National Weather Service indicated that Kerr County had experienced one of its most intense flood events, with thunderstorms delivering up to 15 inches of rain — nearly half of the average annual rainfall for the area.
While the flash flood emergency for Kerr County appears to have decreased, a flood watch remains in effect for the broader region. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick noted that about 500 rescue workers are actively searching for those still lost, including visitors who had come for the Fourth of July celebrations along the riverbank.
Tragically, another girls’ camp, Heart O’ the Hills, also faced losses, as co-owner Jane Ragsdale died in the flooding, though no campers were present at the time. In response to the disaster, U.S. President Donald Trump remarked that the federal government is collaborating with state and local officials to assist those affected, and he extended condolences to the families impacted by this tragedy.
As rescue operations unfolded, distressing images emerged, showing the remnants of homes reduced to bare concrete slabs, with debris scattered across the riverbanks. Rescuers engaged in perilous efforts, climbing trees and scaling rooftops to save trapped residents, often forming human chains to ensure safety amid the dangerous conditions.
The catastrophic flood echoes memories of a similar disaster in 1987, where 10 teenagers lost their lives trying to escape a church camp during a flood in the same river. It serves as a stark reminder of the risks posed by extreme weather conditions, particularly as climate change increasingly influences such events.
The resilience of communities in times of crisis highlights the importance of preparedness and response strategies. Tragedies like this one often prompt collective action and compassion as individuals come together to support one another in the wake of disasters, fostering hope for recovery and rebuilding in the challenging days ahead.
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