The floods that are ravaging Hill Country in Texas, USA, have claimed the lives of 51 people, including 15 children, while more than 27 girls from a riverside summer camp have gone missing.
Heavy rainstorms dropped almost one foot of rain (30 cm) in the area, forcing floodwaters to spill out of the Guadalupe River. The rising waters flooded homes and swept away vehicles. Kerr County authorities said that at least 167 rescues by helicopter were carried out.
The number of people missing in the Texas floods has not been verified at the moment. Local authorities have said that the 27 are girls who had been attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River. They are the only missing persons accounted for.
AP reports that parents and families posted on social media desperate pleas for information on loved ones who were caught in the flood zone.
“The camp was completely destroyed,” said Elinor Lester, 13, one of hundreds of campers at Camp Mystic. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.” The girl told AP that a raging storm woke her up at around 1:30 a.m. Friday, and when rescuers arrived, they held out a rope for the girls to grasp on to. Girls in her cabin at the camp walked across the bridge with floodwaters whipping around their legs.
Vastness of Texas floods unexpected
The vastness and force of the floods in Texas were unexpected. The weather forecast had called for rain, but the heavy rainfall was beyond expectations, catching people by surprise. Original estimates were of up to 8 inches (20cm) of rain.
Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office, said that a river gauge at Hunt recorded a 22-foot rise (6.7 meters) in about two hours and failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet (9 meters). According to Fogarty, the water moves so fast, you don’t realize what’s going on until you’ve already been swept away.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said: “Within 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet and it was a destructive flood, taking property and sadly lives.” Helicopters and paddle boats were used to rescue people who were desperate to escape the rising waters. Officials said search and rescue operations, involving helicopters, drones, and boats, would continue working until everyone has been accounted for.
A state of emergency has been declared in several Texas counties where roads have been washed away and phone lines are down. Pictures show deep flood waters swamping bridges and swiftly swirling down roads. US President Donald Trump called the tragedy “shocking” and “terrible.” The White House pledged additional assistance for the area.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new searches began in areas where the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state.
This is a developing story.
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