Rescue operations continue in Texas following devastating floods that have resulted in the loss of at least 32 lives, including 14 children, prompting urgent search efforts for those unaccounted for.
Frantic Rescue Efforts Underway in Texas After Catastrophic Floods Claim 32 Lives
Frantic Rescue Efforts Underway in Texas After Catastrophic Floods Claim 32 Lives
Texas grapples with tragic loss as search intensifies for survivors in flood-hit areas.
A desperate search is ongoing in central Texas as authorities grapple with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have claimed at least 32 lives, including 14 children. The floods struck in the early hours of Friday when the Guadalupe River surged by over 26 feet (8 meters) in a matter of minutes. Kerr County officials reported that 27 children remain missing from a Christian youth camp situated along the riverbank, while approximately 850 individuals were rescued amidst the chaos.
Weather forecasts indicate the possibility of further rain and subsequent flooding in the area. The hardest-hit locations include mobile homes, summer camps, and various camping sites where families had gathered to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday. During a press conference on Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced the signing of an expanded disaster declaration aimed at enhancing search and rescue operations. He assured that officials will relentlessly work to ensure "every single person who's been a victim of this event" is located.
This operation remains focused on searching for survivors, as officials continue their efforts along the Guadalupe River, hoping to find individuals who may have been swept away during the floods. The emphasis of rescue efforts has been on Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp where 27 children are still unaccounted for. Lt. Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that many girls among the missing are under the age of 12, and with many holiday visitors in the region, the likelihood of additional unreported missing persons remains high.
Communications from Camp Mystic to the parents of the 750 campers indicated that children who have not been directly contacted are considered missing. Grief-stricken families have emerged, sharing the tragic news of their children's passing. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the situation, stating that his administration is providing full support to local authorities in responding to the emergency. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem joined Governor Abbott to announce the deployment of the Coast Guard to assist with ongoing search efforts.
In addition to the devastation in Kerr County, Travis County officials reported two additional fatalities and 10 individuals missing due to the flooding. The National Weather Service has warned that excessive rainfall, potentially leading to more flooding, is expected this weekend, with predictions of 2 to 5 inches (5 cm to 12 cm) across central Texas, and up to 10 inches in certain areas still recovering from Friday's floods.
