At least 43 people have died and more than 20 children from the Camp Mystic summer camp are missing after torrential rain triggered deadly floods along the Guadalupe River in the US state of Texas.
“We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children,” said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
Hundreds of emergency crews, supported by helicopters and drones, continue to scour the area in an urgent search effort.
Officials said that more than 850 people had been rescued by Saturday, including some who were clinging to trees.
US President Donald Trump described the floods as “terrible” and “shocking.”
Girls from summer camp among those missing
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (8 meters) within 45 minutes during intense downpours that deluged the region on Friday morning.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said 27 children from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp were still missing.
“We’ve been rescuing people out of these camps by the hundreds all day,” Rice said.
The camp director said the site had “sustained catastrophic level of flooding.”
Although most of the 750 campers were confirmed safe, authorities were initially unable to reach them due to floodwaters that rendered the roads impassable.
However, Texas Game Wardens, law enforcement officers with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, later posted on social media that they “have made entry into Camp Mystic with vehicles and are beginning to bring campers out!”
Federal aid promised, but NOAA cuts raise concern
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he’s asked President Donald Trump to sign a disaster declaration, which would unlock federal aid for those affected by the recent crisis.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was visiting the region, confirmed that Trump will honor the request.
Trump posted on social media, saying he and First Lady Melania are praying for the victims. He praised first responders, writing, “Our brave first responders are on site doing what they do best.”
Noem said the president also wants to upgrade technologies at the National Weather Service and NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The administration is facing criticism after recent budget cuts and staff reductions at NOAA and the Weather Service, both key players in forecasting and emergency preparedness.
“We need to renew this ancient system,” Noem said.
Edited by: Srinivas Mazumdaru
