At least 67 individuals lost their lives due to deadly flash floods in Texas, 21 of them children, as rescue operations are ongoing to trace those who are still missing. The disastrous flooding started on Friday after a sudden rain caused the Guadalupe River to overflow in the Hill Country of central Texas.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha had reported 59 deaths in his area alone, among them the children. Among the missing are 11 females and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian camp on the Guadalupe River. Travis County authorities confirmed four dead and 13 missing, while others were reported killed in Kendall, Burnet, and Tom Green counties.
Authorities have rescued 850 individuals to date, some who were clinging to trees. Flood advisories were issued by the National Weather Service until Sunday afternoon, cautioning that additional rain could complicate rescue efforts.
President Donald Trump declared a major disaster, invoking FEMA and sending Coast Guard planes to help emergency responders. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem explained that a “moderate” flood warning was issued Thursday, though the forecast underestimated the severity of the storm, say critics.
Others, such as former NOAA director Rick Spinrad, said that reductions in personnel during the Trump administration might have an impact on the National Weather Service’s forecasting ability.
At Mystic Camp, survivors told of scenes of devastation. Cabins were inundated, belongings destroyed, and six feet of mud swirled up to buildings. Children were evacuated by military trucks to safety. Katharine Somerville, counselor at the camp, credited the bravery of longtime director Richard “Dick” Eastland, who died while assisting campers, according to reports.
Congressman Joaquin Castro cautioned about the perils of under-staffed weather services, particularly flash floods. “It could lead to tragedy,” he warned.
As more rain is predicted and many people are still missing, Texas communities are kept on their toes as search efforts remain underway.
