Texas (inglesideindex.com) – At least 32 people have died, and dozens remain missing after flash floods devastated communities along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country.
The death toll rose Saturday when rescue teams discovered several missing campers from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, dead. Search and rescue crews continue their hunt for more than 20 girls from Camp Mystic, where they had been attending an all-girls private Christian camp.
Children accounted for 14 of the 32 confirmed deaths, while adults made up 18, according to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.
More than a foot of rain pounded the region through Friday morning, driving a 20-foot storm surge down the Guadalupe River, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reported. Officials said the river surged 25 feet in under an hour. The National Weather Service forecasts additional rain and flooding for the region Saturday and Sunday.
Weather Service Issues Flood Watch for Central Texas
“Central Texas and the Hill Country face continued heavy rainfall and flooding concerns today, with scattered thunderstorms anticipated this afternoon and evening,” the National Weather Service announced on its website.
“We have issued a Flood Watch through 7 PM Saturday. The area could see additional rainfall amounts of 2-4 inches, with isolated pockets potentially reaching 10 inches somewhere in the watch area,” NWS stated. “Pinpointing exactly where the isolated heavy amounts will occur in this pattern proves very difficult.”
Social media video shows helicopters lifting survivors from heavily flooded areas. State and local officials report that hundreds have been rescued so far.
Officials deployed the Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard to assist with search and rescue efforts.
Governor Abbott Declares State Emergency for 15 Counties
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 15 counties, with more potentially added to the list.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” Abbott said in a statement. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”
Abbott’s emergency declaration covers the counties of Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba and Tom Green.
President Trump Deploys Federal Aid to Affected Areas
President Donald Trump said he was deploying federal help to the region as well.
“Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best,” Trump wrote on social media. “GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS.”
Red Cross Establishes Reunification Centers
“The Red Cross assists with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767,” the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Officials have established reunification centers at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville.
