Heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River in Texas to overflow its banks on July 4, with water levels rising by six meters in just two hours. Among those reported missing are 27 girls from a Christian children`s camp.
The death toll from the severe flooding in Texas has now climbed to over 50 people. The Guadalupe River burst its banks due to prolonged heavy rains, with Kerr County in central Texas being the hardest hit area. Water levels surged by more than 6 meters within two hours. The torrent of water particularly impacted the Mystic Christian girls` camp, situated near the river, where 27 girls are still unaccounted for.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged that authorities would continue search efforts until all missing children are found, adding that he had «never seen anything like this in any disaster.» Over 850 people have been evacuated from the county, and rescue operations are ongoing.
Water levels rose dramatically on Friday, just 45 minutes before dawn, and the situation did not improve on Saturday as downpours persisted, keeping flash flood warnings in effect. On Saturday, rescuers searched central Texas for survivors amidst fallen trees, overturned vehicles, and submerged debris. This search included the 27 girls missing since their camp was swept away. At least 15 children are among the fatalities in Kerr County, with most bodies discovered along the riverbank near the Mystic summer Christian camp. An additional eight people died in neighboring counties. Authorities have not yet confirmed the total number of missing persons beyond the children from the summer camp.
The Governor of Texas designated Sunday as a day of prayer for the state. Search and rescue missions are utilizing helicopters, boats, and drones.
The head of the Kerrville city administration in Kerr County highlighted the difficulty in counting the affected population. He explained that campers arrived for the Independence Day weekend, setting up camps along the river banks. «There is a number that we just don`t know yet,» the official stated.
