Devastating Texas Floods: 13 Dead, Dozens Missing in Unprecedented Deluge

Devastating Texas Floods: 13 Dead, Dozens Missing in Unprecedented Deluge

Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic flood that has left at least 13 people dead and many missing. The region, which has been battered by relentless heavy rainfall, is now the center of an intense search and rescue operation involving hundreds of emergency personnel.

Record-Breaking Rainfall Leads to Disaster

The National Weather Service reports that up to 15 inches of rain have fallen in parts of central Texas, causing the Guadalupe River to swell to its second-highest recorded level. The deluge has prompted multiple flash flood warnings since late Thursday evening, leaving communities devastated by the rapidly rising waters.

Camp Mystic: A Summer Retreat Turned Nightmare

Among those affected are 23 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp that was home to nearly 750 children when the floods struck. The camp was forced to evacuate overnight after receiving at least 10 inches of rain. “We will do everything humanly possible, 24/7, looking at every tree, turning over every rock, whatever it takes if your child is one of those truly missing and not just out of touch, to find your daughter,” vowed Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, emphasizing the urgency of the search efforts.

Massive Rescue Operations Underway

A robust search and rescue mission is currently underway, involving between 400 to 500 rescue workers from various agencies, including the Texas National Guard, the US Coast Guard, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These teams are working tirelessly to locate the missing and provide aid to those affected by the floods.

“We can’t say for sure that they’re all accounted for. We know that there are some missing,” stated Kerr County officials, highlighting the ongoing uncertainty and the potential for more casualties.

Community Braces for Further Challenges

As central Texas communities continue to navigate the immediate challenges posed by the flooding, there is also a growing concern about the longer-term impacts, including infrastructure damage and displacement of residents. The current situation underscores the pressing need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies to mitigate the effects of such natural calamities.

Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to safety advisories, as more rain is expected in the coming days. Meanwhile, efforts to reunite families and provide assistance to those in need remain a top priority for local and state officials.

Important Resources and Contacts

For updates and emergency information, residents are encouraged to visit the following websites:

• National Weather Service
• Federal Emergency Management Agency
• Texas Government