Authorities in Texas have confirmed that 24 individuals have died, and over 20 children remain missing following devastating flash floods.
During America’s July 4 celebrations, the area near the Texan town of Kerrville was severely impacted by these deadly floods.
Kerr County in Texas has been hit hard by the flash flooding, prompting ongoing rescue efforts to locate survivors.
As of 7.40 pm local time on July 5, the Kerrville Police Department announced that rescue operations will persist “until we find all our citizens.”
“Hundreds of first responders are here with resources from throughout the state to help us,” they stated on Facebook.
“Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones. They are our focus and will remain so.”
At least 24 lives have been lost, while rescue teams continue to search for up to 25 missing children.
According to CBS, 237 people have been rescued or evacuated during the search and rescue efforts.
The floods have carried away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, the latter of which was filled with Americans celebrating Independence Day.
Heavy rains equivalent to a month’s worth fell in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise to a hazardous level of 26 feet.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency in several counties due to the severe flooding.
Rescue teams are tirelessly searching for up to 25 children who were among the 750 girls at Camp Mystic, a summer camp located near Kerrville.
Established in 1926, Camp Mystic is designed for girls above the second grade to foster confidence and independence.
The camp currently lacks WiFi, power, and water in the aftermath of the floods.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick noted that the missing children may not be ‘lost’, suggesting, “They could be out of communication.”
Jane Ragsdale, who directed the Heart O’Hills camp in Kerr County, is one of the victims who lost their lives due to the floods.
“We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” a statement from the camp reads.
The mother of Janie Hunt, a 9-year-old Camp Mystic member, confirmed to CNN her daughter’s tragic death as a result of the floods.
Though Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed that a disaster of this scale was unexpected, Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, explained the rapid rise of the Guadalupe River.
He explained to the media: “When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe… there’s a north and a south fork.”
“Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you’ll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville,” Rice continued.
“The rain event was centered on those areas, resulting in more rainfall than anticipated on both forks.”
“We initially reported about 7 feet on the south fork, but within minutes, it rose to 29 feet, and all of that water converged at Guadalupe,” he added.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management responded by deploying 14 helicopters and hundreds of emergency workers, also utilizing drones to support their efforts.
Col. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, stated: “We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they’ve worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist capabilities.”
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott commented: “We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for.”
President Trump, upon learning of the situation, called the floods a ‘terrible thing’ while addressing the media.
“It looks like some young people have died,” Trump remarked, assuring that his administration would collaborate with Abbott to offer aid and support to the state in this challenging time.
First Lady Melania Trump shared her sentiments on Twitter, stating: “My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience.”
Additional rain is anticipated in Texas over the next few hours, particularly around Waco, as reported by the Guardian.