Devastating Floods Hit Texas, Death Toll Rises to 24

SadaNews - The U.S. state of Texas is experiencing a wave of torrential floods, resulting in significant human and material losses. Local authorities have reported the deaths of several individuals and the disappearance of dozens, most of whom are children in a girls' camp.

At least 24 people have died due to sudden floods that struck central Texas, according to officials.

Dan Patrick, the Lieutenant Governor of Texas, stated that some of the victims are children.

Patrick said that "about 23 girls" from the Mystic Camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River, which rose by eight meters in 45 minutes overnight, have not been found.

He added, "This does not mean they are lost; they may have climbed trees or might not have a way to communicate."

Patrick read a message from the camp director, which stated that approximately 750 people participated over the weekend coinciding with the Fourth of July Independence Day celebrations, reporting a "disastrous level of flooding."

The message said, "We have no electricity, water, or Wi-Fi."

Local and federal officials have warned residents against traveling to the area where camps line the river, with dozens of roads cut off.

Videos on social media showed homes being swept away by the sudden floods caused by heavy rainfall.

Greg Abbott, the Governor of Texas, shared a video on the X platform showing a rescuer dangling from a helicopter, pulling someone from the top of a tree surrounded by floodwaters.

The governor stated that "air rescue missions like this are ongoing around the clock. We will not stop until all victims are found."

Freeman Martin, the head of the state's public safety department, said that the flood was a "disaster that has caused significant human losses."

About 500 rescuers and 14 helicopters have been deployed with the assistance of the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.

Martin warned, "The rain has stopped, but we know another wave is coming," pointing out that more rain will hit the areas surrounding San Antonio and Austin.

Rob Kelley, a local official in Kerr County, emphasized the sudden nature of these floods in a press conference, even though the area is accustomed to similar phenomena.

He said, "We face flooding all the time. It is the most dangerous river valley in the United States," referring to the Guadalupe River that crosses the region, "but there was nothing to suggest that things would turn out this way."

The weather service issued a flood warning for central southern Kerr County, urging residents to avoid travel and advising those living near the Guadalupe River to move to "higher ground."

In mid-June, at least ten people died due to flooding in San Antonio in South Texas, resulting from heavy rainfall.