Desperate Search Underway in Texas for Missing Girls After Deadly Floods
Rescue operations are underway after flash floods killed at least 24 and left many missing in the Texas Hill Country.
Rescue teams conducted urgent searches early Saturday for approximately two dozen missing children from a girls' summer camp and numerous others following a catastrophic flash flood that swept through central Texas, leading to at least 24 fatalities.
Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as the search continues.
The unexpected flooding occurred when the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before dawn on Friday, causing significant destruction and chaos in the area.
Flash flood warnings and watches were issued for parts of central Texas, with more heavy rain expected over the weekend.
Rescue operations involved helicopters, boats, and drones to locate missing individuals and evacuate those stranded.
Among the missing are around 24 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the river.
The total number of people unaccounted for remains unclear.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper at Camp Mystic, recounted the harrowing experience: "The camp was completely destroyed.
A helicopter landed and started taking people away.
It was really scary." She described how rescuers assisted campers in crossing a bridge by securing ropes as floodwaters surged around their legs.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 24 deaths, including children, and stated that about 240 people had been rescued during the initial response efforts.
The flooding occurred on the night of the Fourth of July holiday, catching residents and officials off guard.
Questions have arisen concerning the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness in the region.
Officials defended their responses but acknowledged that the intensity of the downpour far exceeded forecasts, which had predicted only three to six inches (76 to 152 millimeters) of rain.
The National Weather Service's Bob Fogarty noted that a river gauge near Camp Mystic recorded a 22-foot rise within about two hours before it failed after reaching nearly 30 feet (9 meters).
The Texas Hill Country, known as 'flash flood alley' due to its steep and thin-soiled hills, experiences rapid runoff of rainwater rather than absorption, increasing the risk of flooding.
The Guadalupe River is a central feature of the local economy, supporting tourism and established summer camps that draw children nationwide.
Concerns about the community's future have been expressed by Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, while coordinating relief efforts.
The region's reliance on the Guadalupe River for economic activity has come into focus following this disaster.
As the slow-moving storm system continues to bring more heavy rain and flooding across central Texas through Sunday, rescue operations are ongoing in a bid to locate all missing individuals.
Authorities have warned that the death toll may rise as the search continues.
The unexpected flooding occurred when the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before dawn on Friday, causing significant destruction and chaos in the area.
Flash flood warnings and watches were issued for parts of central Texas, with more heavy rain expected over the weekend.
Rescue operations involved helicopters, boats, and drones to locate missing individuals and evacuate those stranded.
Among the missing are around 24 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp situated along the river.
The total number of people unaccounted for remains unclear.
Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper at Camp Mystic, recounted the harrowing experience: "The camp was completely destroyed.
A helicopter landed and started taking people away.
It was really scary." She described how rescuers assisted campers in crossing a bridge by securing ropes as floodwaters surged around their legs.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 24 deaths, including children, and stated that about 240 people had been rescued during the initial response efforts.
The flooding occurred on the night of the Fourth of July holiday, catching residents and officials off guard.
Questions have arisen concerning the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness in the region.
Officials defended their responses but acknowledged that the intensity of the downpour far exceeded forecasts, which had predicted only three to six inches (76 to 152 millimeters) of rain.
The National Weather Service's Bob Fogarty noted that a river gauge near Camp Mystic recorded a 22-foot rise within about two hours before it failed after reaching nearly 30 feet (9 meters).
The Texas Hill Country, known as 'flash flood alley' due to its steep and thin-soiled hills, experiences rapid runoff of rainwater rather than absorption, increasing the risk of flooding.
The Guadalupe River is a central feature of the local economy, supporting tourism and established summer camps that draw children nationwide.
Concerns about the community's future have been expressed by Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, while coordinating relief efforts.
The region's reliance on the Guadalupe River for economic activity has come into focus following this disaster.
As the slow-moving storm system continues to bring more heavy rain and flooding across central Texas through Sunday, rescue operations are ongoing in a bid to locate all missing individuals.
