Texas floods helicopter rescue missions. Credit: x @gregabbott_tx
At least 51 people have been confirmed to have been killed, including at least 15 children, after destroying central Texas, destroying Hill Country on Friday, July 4th, causing one of the worst natural disasters in recent US history.
More than 20 children in summer camp remain missing as rescue operations continue in several counties.
The Guadalupe River rose over 8 meters in 45 minutes.
The Guadalupe River surged over 8 meters in just 45 minutes, just 45 minutes after hitting the area. Most of the deaths were reported near Camp Mystic, a Christian Girls Summer Camp in Kerr County. Around 750 children were in the camp when the flood hit.
Sheriff Larry Leesa confirmed 43 deaths in Kerr County alone, including 28 adults and 15 children. Of them, 12 adults and 5 children remain unknown, as reported CBS News.
According to EuroNewsdeaths continue to rise across the county, with search and rescue operations escalating over the weekend. More than 160 people were rescued, and more than 850 people were saved.
Elizabeth Lester, whose 13-year-old daughter Elinor was airlifted from the camp; Associated Press“The camp was completely destroyed. It was really scary. There are people I don’t know, and I don’t know where they are.”
Authorities admitted they did not foresee a rapid rise in the river. Accuweather and the National Weather Service of the Private Weather Service reportedly issued flash flood warnings a few hours ago, raising questions about whether the camp and residents had been informed sufficiently.
Supporting Trump and Abbott’s pledge
Gov. Governor Greg Abbott signed the updated Federal Disaster Declaration, promising that “we will not stop anything to save all the last ones.” President Donald Trump called the flood “terrifying” and said, “Melania and I pray for all the families affected by this horrifying tragedy. Our brave first responders are doing what they are doing their best.
Flash floods struck an area known as the “slash flooding alley” on a busy July 4 holiday weekend, making missing people even more difficult. Camp Mystic, Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar were all influenced. La Junta and Waldemar have confirmed that all campers are safe, but Camp Mystic remains at the heart of the tragedy.
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