In the state of Texas, USA, at least 43 people, including 15 children, died as a result of a heavy downpour and flash flood. Rescuers are continuing to search for those missing, with most efforts focused on a Christian youth camp near the Guadalupe River, where 27 children are still missing. It is reported Reuters and BBC.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leita emphasized that the search is ongoing: “We will work until we find everyone.” More than 850 people have already been rescued, including those who were trapped in trees after the sudden rise of water.
The element struck early in the morning on July 4 without sufficient warning — the water in the river rose eight meters in less than an hour, leaving local authorities unable to quickly announce an evacuation. Campgrounds, private homes, trailer parks, and a girls’ summer camp were particularly damaged. At Camp Mystic, rescuers are still working with search dogs.
Governor Greg Abbott declared an extended state of emergency to boost rescue operations. President Donald Trump said that the federal government is working together with local agencies. He announced on social media that he was praying for the victims along with First Lady Melania Trump.
Homeland Security Secretary Christy Noem said the Coast Guard was involved in the search. At the same time, she pointed out that the official flood forecast did not reflect the scale of the disaster, as the National Weather Service did not predict the amount of precipitation. According to her, the administration is working on system modernization.
Former head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Rick Spinrad, emphasized that the bureau’s understaffing due to mass layoffs at the agency could have affected the accuracy of the forecasts:
“That doesn’t mean the cuts themselves caused the tragedy, but they clearly weaken the agency’s ability to provide early warnings.”
While the official bodies are looking for the culprits and the reasons for the delay in the notification, the families of the dead and the injured are trying to recover from the impact of the elements, which came without warning and claimed dozens of lives.
