At least 24 people have lost their lives, and over 20 children from a summer camp have gone missing following the deadly floods caused by torrential rain along the Guadalupe River in the US state of Texas. The death toll was raised from 13 as rescue efforts continued, with emergency crews, supported by helicopters and drones, searching the area urgently.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared a video on social media, showing a victim being rescued from a tree by a responder dangling from a helicopter. US President Donald Trump described the floods as “terrible” and “shocking.”
Among the missing are approximately 23 girls from Camp Mystic along the river. While their disappearance is not necessarily attributed to being lost, they could be out of communication or stranded in trees. The camp director stated that the site has been severely affected by the catastrophic level of flooding.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick mentioned that the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet within 45 minutes during intense downpours. Despite most of the 750 campers being safe, immediate evacuation was not possible due to the high water levels making roads impassable.
Additional rain is forecasted, and the flood threat persists in the region. There is an ongoing risk of flash flooding from San Antonio to Waco for the next 24 to 48 hours, as well as continued risks in west and central Texas. The Llano River, flowing through adjacent Mason County, is also reportedly running at flood stage. Roughly 500 rescue workers and 14 helicopters have been deployed to aid in search and rescue efforts, with assistance from the Texas National Guard, US Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/rising-death-toll-in-texas-floods-as-children-remain-missing/a-73162966?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
