What is the Current Death Toll from the Texas Floods?
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Synopsis
As Texas faces the aftermath of catastrophic floods, the state grapples with a rising death toll and ongoing rescue efforts. With over 40 individuals still missing, concerns grow over weather forecasting and emergency response. Discover the latest developments and the ongoing fight against nature's fury in this gripping report.
Key Takeaways
- 80 fatalities reported due to Texas floods.
- Over 40 individuals still missing.
- Kerr County accounts for the majority of the fatalities.
- Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing.
- Federal assistance has been mobilized for affected communities.
Houston, July 7 (NationPress) The death toll from the devastating floods in Texas has tragically reached 80, with over 40 individuals still unaccounted for as three days have passed since relentless rainfall caused severe flash flooding throughout the south-central region of the United States, according to officials.
On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced his plans to visit Texas on Friday, shortly after issuing a significant disaster declaration that releases essential federal resources to assist ongoing search and rescue operations, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Kerr County, which has been hit the hardest among the 20 affected counties, accounts for at least 68 fatalities, including 21 children, as stated by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha on Sunday.
Additionally, four other counties have reported a combined total of 12 deaths.
As of Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Leitha mentioned that 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing, emphasizing that search efforts are still ongoing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the public in a press conference, stating that at least 41 people are still missing in flood-affected areas across the state.
He cautioned that more heavy rainfall is anticipated in the upcoming days, which poses a risk for further flooding in various parts of Texas.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened seven shelters to provide food and water to communities impacted by the floods in central Texas, CNN reported.
In response to criticism regarding budget cuts to weather services that some believe contributed to the catastrophic floods, Trump remarked, "This is a 100-year disaster, and it's heartbreaking to witness. This event unfolded in moments. No one anticipated it, and no one saw it coming."
When questioned about the need to rehire meteorologists who left during prior budget cuts, the president suggested it was unnecessary.
Concerns have arisen over the National Weather Service's (NWS) handling of the emergency, with local officials and residents claiming that flood warnings were either delayed or inadequate.
Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, stated on Friday that the NWS "did not accurately forecast the amount of rainfall we experienced."
According to staffing data from the NWS's labor union, the San Angelo forecasting office has four vacancies out of 23 positions, while San Antonio has six vacancies out of 26, as reported by Texas Tribune. Both offices are located in central Texas.
Nevertheless, the NWS forecasting offices were functioning normally during the disaster, according to a report citing Greg Waller, service coordination hydrologist with the NWS West Gulf River Forecast Center in Fort Worth, northern Texas.
Point of View
It is crucial to recognize the profound impact of natural calamities on communities. The rising death toll and ongoing search efforts highlight the urgent need for effective emergency management and robust weather forecasting. As the nation rallies in support of Texas, it is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities we all face in the face of extreme weather events.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the flooding in Texas?
The flooding was caused by hours of heavy rainfall that led to severe flash flooding in the south-central region of the United States.
How many people are currently missing?
As of now, more than 40 individuals are reported missing in the flood-affected areas of Texas.
What assistance is being provided to affected communities?
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has opened shelters to provide food, water, and essential resources to the communities impacted by the floods.
What has been the response from government officials?
President Trump has declared a major disaster and is set to visit Texas, while Governor Greg Abbott has stressed the importance of ongoing search and rescue operations.
Was the National Weather Service's forecast accurate?
Concerns have been raised regarding the National Weather Service's forecasts, with some officials stating that the amount of rainfall was not predicted accurately.
