Flood in Texas: Many Missing from Girls’ Summer Camp
A strong flood hit central Texas on July 4. Among the missing are 23 to 25 girls who were staying at a Christian summer camp near the Guadalupe River. The river overflowed after heavy rain.
Search and Rescue Continues
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that rescue teams will work all night and into the next day to find the missing people. He said the state will use as many resources as needed.
President Donald Trump also promised federal help, saying, “We’ll take care of them.”
Heavy Rain Causes Flash Flood
The U.S. weather service announced a flash flood emergency in Kerr County after strong storms dropped about one foot (30 cm) of rain. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said the flood came very fast, in less than two hours, and there was no time to warn people or evacuate.
Rainfall Was Worse Than Expected
Even though weather officials warned about possible heavy rain earlier in the week, they didn’t expect this much rainfall. Emergency chief W. Nim Kidd said the actual rain was much more than the forecast.
Because of the flood, many July 4 fireworks celebrations were canceled, including in Kerrville. The area planned for the event was underwater.
24 People Confirmed Dead
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 24 people have died because of the flood. Another body was found in nearby Kendall County, but it’s not confirmed if the person died due to the flood.
Missing Girls from Camp Mystic
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the 23 missing girls were attending Camp Mystic, a private Christian camp for girls near the river. Over 750 children were at summer camps in the area. Authorities are still searching and hoping to find the missing girls alive. All other campers are safe and have been evacuated.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said rescue teams are doing everything they can to save people. He explained that many neighborhoods, RV parks, and camps were affected. He also said they didn’t expect a flood this large, even though they are used to floods in that area.
Rapid River Rise
The river rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes due to the heavy rain. By Friday night, rescue teams had saved or moved 237 people, including 167 by helicopter.
More Rain Expected
More rain is expected in the next two days. The flood threat remains from San Antonio to Waco.
Governor Abbott signed a disaster declaration to speed up help for the hardest-hit counties. The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA are also helping with rescue and support efforts.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.