TEXAS: Rescue teams in central Texas are continuing a desperate search for survivors after devastating flash floods claimed at least 43 lives, including 15 children. Dozens remain unaccounted for, and authorities fear the toll could rise.
The flooding began early Friday when the Guadalupe River surged by more than 26 feet (8 meters) in less than an hour, catching many residents off guard as they slept.
Kerr County officials have reported that 27 children are missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the riverbank. More than 850 people have been rescued so far, according to BBC.
With more rain in the forecast, authorities are concerned about the potential for additional flooding over the weekend. Areas hardest hit include mobile home parks, summer camps, and campsites where families had gathered to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
At a press briefing on Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced an expanded disaster declaration to support ongoing rescue operations. He emphasized the state’s commitment to locating every missing person, saying, “We will stop when the job is completed.”
Officials stressed that the situation remains a search and rescue effort, not yet a recovery mission. Teams are combing the Guadalupe River and surrounding areas for survivors, with much of the focus on Camp Mystic near Hunt, Texas. Many of the missing girls are under the age of 12, according to Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
Camp Mystic, which hosts about 750 campers, informed parents via email that children not yet directly accounted for are considered missing. Some families have confirmed that their children are among the deceased.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences and assured full federal support for the rescue and recovery efforts. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking at Saturday’s press conference alongside Governor Abbott, said the President was “devastated” by the tragedy and announced that the Coast Guard would soon join the search.
Elsewhere in central Texas, Travis County officials have reported two more fatalities and at least 10 missing persons due to flooding.
The National Weather Service warns that central Texas could receive 2 to 5 inches (5 to 12 cm) of rain on Saturday, with isolated areas potentially seeing up to 10 inches—posing a serious risk to already inundated regions.
(With inputs from BBC)
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