Texas Floods Claim At Least 24 Lives, Dozens Missing Amid Devastation
Enet
At least 24 people have lost their lives after flash floods struck Texas on Friday. Up to 25 girls at a summer camp remain missing. The flooding occurred on Independence Day and has caused widespread damage.
President Donald Trump described the disaster as "shocking" and "terrible." Officials from the federal government have promised help. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that aid was on the way.
Rescue teams are working overnight to find missing people. However, Texas officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of those unaccounted for. The Guadalupe River rose sharply, flooding quickly after heavy rains. "Within 45 minutes, the river jumped 26 feet and caused a destructive flood," said Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The flood destroyed property and took lives.
Parents have been assured that if they have not been contacted, their children are safe. Patrick added that missing children might be out of contact, but they are not necessarily lost. Public offers of helicopters and drones for rescue efforts are not needed, he said. Rescue teams currently operate with 14 helicopters, 12 drones, nine rescue crews, and swimmers, with about 400 to 500 personnel on the ground.
Later on Friday, Texas Major General Thomas Suelzer reported deploying five helicopters along with rescue swimmers. High-profile military vehicles are helping evacuate people from flooded areas to safety. Around 237 individuals have already been rescued, he stated.
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has reached Camp Mystic, where authorities say more than 20 girls have been missing since the floodwaters swept through. Ongoing communication issues have hampered efforts to reach many in the region, including those at the camp.
Flooding prompted disaster declarations in the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions early Friday. Kerr County’s sheriff reported severe flooding, with multiple missing persons and confirmed deaths. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly explained that authorities did not know the flood was coming. Kelly said, “We didn’t expect this type of flood.” He also admitted that the area lacks a warning system.
Kelly compared Friday’s flooding to a 1987 event that killed 10 teenagers on a church camp bus near Comfort. Rescues and evacuations continue since early morning. Authorities warn that more flash floods could occur.
Heavy overnight rains dumped months’ worth of water in just a few hours. Officials warn these floods are dangerous. The affected area lies northwest of San Antonio. Photos show water covering bridges and rushing down roads.
Texas officials urge people not to take risks. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller advised residents to stay alert and avoid driving on flooded roads. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office told residents near creeks and the Guadalupe River to find higher ground.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said the floods were more severe than expected. Since Texas lacks an early warning system, he said, the community did not see this coming. The Kerrville Daily Times reports that flood damage exceeded a similar event in 1987.
Rescue efforts have been ongoing since early morning. Officials warn more floods could happen soon. Heavy rain caused flash floods across the state, making many areas dangerous.
Photos show deep waters flooding bridges and fast-moving currents swirling through streets.
Residents are urged to stay safe. Authorities stress the importance of listening to emergency warnings. Do not try to drive through flooded roads.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office advised residents near creeks and rivers to move to higher ground. Kerrville Mayor Herring noted there was no early warning for such a disaster.
On Friday, families posted on local social media asking for help. Many have loved ones missing after the floods. One mother shared she could not reach her daughter and son-in-law, whose home was washed away near Kerrville Lake.
In Austin, a woman reported her grandparents along the Guadalupe River had not been heard from since the previous day.
In New Jersey, authorities confirmed three deaths from severe storms and heavy rain Thursday night. A woman, 44, was killed when a tree fell on her car in North Plainfield.
