How did flooding in Texas lead to 49 fatalities and 27 missing children?
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Synopsis
The recent devastating floods in Texas have claimed 49 lives and left 27 children missing. As rescue operations persist, the community grapples with the aftermath of this natural disaster. Discover the latest updates and the ongoing efforts to locate the missing.
Key Takeaways
- 49 fatalities reported due to severe flooding in Texas.
- 27 children remain missing, primarily from a summer camp.
- Rescue operations are ongoing across multiple counties.
- The Texas government has declared a disaster, expanding aid efforts.
- Water levels in the Guadalupe River reached record heights.
Houston, July 6 (NationPress) Catastrophic flooding across central Texas has resulted in the deaths of at least 49 individuals and left many more unaccounted for, according to local officials this past weekend, as rescue operations are actively underway in multiple counties.
In Kerr County, the death toll has reached 43, comprising 28 adults and 15 children, following intense rainfall that caused flash floods early Friday morning, as confirmed by Sheriff Larry Leitha during a press briefing.
Additionally, 27 children remain missing, primarily from Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls situated along the Guadalupe River, as stated by Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville. The camp typically accommodates around 750 children annually, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Rice remarked, “We’ve been rescuing people from these camps by the hundreds all day.”
In Travis County, four fatalities were confirmed, with 13 individuals reported missing, according to local broadcaster KXAN-TV, referencing County Judge Andy Brown.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended condolences to the U.S. government and the families affected earlier on Saturday.
“Deeply saddened to learn about the loss of lives, especially children, in the devastating floods in Texas. Our condolences to the U.S. government and the bereaved families,” PM Modi expressed in a post on X.
Rescue operations in Burnet County were ongoing as of Saturday afternoon, with authorities confirming two deaths and two individuals still missing.
On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an expanded disaster declaration, encompassing six additional counties in central Texas, bringing the total number of affected counties to 20.
Water levels in the Guadalupe River surged from 7.5 feet (2.3 meters) to a shocking 29.5 feet (9 meters) within a mere three hours early Friday morning, marking the second-highest level on record, according to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).
Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, stated on Friday that earlier forecasts from the NWS had significantly underestimated the volume of rainfall that led to this devastating flooding.
This year, Texas has faced numerous severe flooding incidents, and the U.S. has seen an unprecedented number of flash flood emergencies in 2024, as noted by AccuWeather.
Point of View
This tragic event underscores the escalating impact of climate change on local communities. The resilience shown by first responders and volunteers highlights the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis. As we navigate the recovery, it is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to such natural disasters.
NationPress
17/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the floods in Texas?
Severe rainstorms led to flash flooding across central Texas, overwhelming river systems and drainage.
How many people are still missing?
Currently, 27 children and several adults remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the floods.
What measures are being taken for rescue operations?
Local authorities, along with emergency management teams, are conducting extensive search and rescue operations throughout the affected counties.
What is the response from the government?
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster, expanding aid and resources to the impacted counties.
How can people help the victims?
Various organizations are accepting donations and volunteers to assist with relief efforts for those affected by the floods.
