In the aftermath of severe flooding in central Texas, a major search operation is underway for survivors, as the death toll has reached at least 32, including 14 children. The flooding occurred quickly in the early hours of Friday, with the Guadalupe River rising over 26 feet (8 meters) within an hour, catching many individuals off guard in their sleep. Officials in Kerr County announced that 27 children are unaccounted for from a Christian youth camp situated along the river, where a majority of those affected had gathered to celebrate the 4th of July holiday.
Rescue teams have successfully retrieved around 850 individuals from the area, but Governor Greg Abbott has emphasized that the mission remains focused on locating every person reported missing. He reiterated the commitment to pursue rescue efforts until all are accounted for, stressing the urgent need to find those who may have been swept away by the floods.
One of the hardest-hit locations is Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located near Hunt, Texas. Reports indicate that many of the missing are young girls, some under 12 years old. Camp administration reassured families that if they haven’t received direct contact, their child is still listed as missing. Families of victims have begun to share heartbreaking updates, confirming that some of their loved ones were among those found deceased.
The situation is compounded by weather forecasts predicting more rain and potential flooding for the region. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the federal government will provide extensive support, including the deployment of the Coast Guard to assist with ongoing search operations. Tragically, the storm’s toll extends beyond Kerr County, as two additional fatalities have been reported in Travis County, and search efforts are anticipated to face further challenges with additional rainfall projected over the weekend.
As communities grapple with this unfolding tragedy, the urgency and importance of finding missing individuals remain at the forefront of local and federal efforts. The National Weather Service warns that areas could experience an additional 2 to 5 inches (5cm to 12cm) of rain, raising alarms about the potential for further disaster in the already beleaguered region.
Rescue teams have successfully retrieved around 850 individuals from the area, but Governor Greg Abbott has emphasized that the mission remains focused on locating every person reported missing. He reiterated the commitment to pursue rescue efforts until all are accounted for, stressing the urgent need to find those who may have been swept away by the floods.
One of the hardest-hit locations is Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp located near Hunt, Texas. Reports indicate that many of the missing are young girls, some under 12 years old. Camp administration reassured families that if they haven’t received direct contact, their child is still listed as missing. Families of victims have begun to share heartbreaking updates, confirming that some of their loved ones were among those found deceased.
The situation is compounded by weather forecasts predicting more rain and potential flooding for the region. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the federal government will provide extensive support, including the deployment of the Coast Guard to assist with ongoing search operations. Tragically, the storm’s toll extends beyond Kerr County, as two additional fatalities have been reported in Travis County, and search efforts are anticipated to face further challenges with additional rainfall projected over the weekend.
As communities grapple with this unfolding tragedy, the urgency and importance of finding missing individuals remain at the forefront of local and federal efforts. The National Weather Service warns that areas could experience an additional 2 to 5 inches (5cm to 12cm) of rain, raising alarms about the potential for further disaster in the already beleaguered region.
