Texas Flash Flood updates: Torrential rains have unleashed deadly flash floods along the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas, killing at least 24 people and leaving 23 girls missing from a nearby summer camp, local officials stated on Friday. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha mentioned that the death toll will most likely increase as search and rescue efforts go on in the flood-stricken area.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a flash flood emergency in Kerr County, roughly 105 km northwest of San Antonio, following overnight thunderstorms that dropped up to a foot of rain over the Texas Hill Country. Dalton Rice, city manager of Kerrville, the county seat indicated that the flooding hit before dawn with short notice. “This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time that could not be predicted, even with radar,” Rice told reporters. “It rose above major flood stage in less than two hours,” he added. Before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, even state emergency officials issued warnings of possible heavy rainfall and flooding dangers, but the severity and rapidity of the rainfall caught communities off guard.
Summer Camp Inundated, 23 Girls Missing
Tragedy struck Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ private summer camp located along the Guadalupe River. According to officials, 23 girls are unaccounted for after floodwaters swept through the camp at approximately 4 a.m. local time. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick indicated authorities are hoping for survivors and verified emergency responders are actively seeking out the missing children. “We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” Patrick said at a briefing. While all other campers are safe, evacuation efforts have been disrupted by submerged roads and cut-off power, water, and internet services.
First responders survey rising flood waters of the Guadalupe River after flash flooding in Kerr County, Texas | Credit: Reuters
Sheriff Leitha stated that 100 state troopers, 14 helicopters, and a dozen unmanned drones have been deployed to aid in search and rescue missions. Hundreds of emergency responders are on the ground making rescues from trees and vehicles washed downstream. The Texas Division of Emergency Management had already increased its readiness level and activated additional response teams as flash flooding hazards were expected across west and central Texas through the holiday weekend.
Fourth Of July Celebrations Postponed
Cities throughout the flood-stricken area have postponed Independence Day fireworks shows as rivers continue to rise. In Kerrville, the riverfront celebrations were washed away by the swollen Guadalupe River. Authorities issued the warning that the Llano River, which runs through neighboring Mason County, is also at flood stage, posing a “life-threatening situation” according to the weather service. With yet more rain on the forecast, the possibility of further flash flooding is high from San Antonio through to Waco within the next 24 to 48 hours.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly made a stand in support of local preparations, declaring the extent of this catastrophe could not have been anticipated earlier. “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” Kelly declared. “But we had no reason to believe this would be anything like what’s happened here,” she said. US Coast Guard and FEMA personnel have been sent to assist in the area. Search teams are still fighting against the waves, dangerous currents, and extensive destruction in efforts to locate survivors.
