Devastating Flood in Texas: Death Toll Rises to 82, 41 Still Missing
The death toll from a sudden flood in the U.S. state of Texas has risen to 82. The disaster struck Kerr County when a wall of water surged through the Guadalupe River, sweeping away homes, vehicles, and people. Authorities report that at least 41 individuals are still missing, including 10 teenage girls from the Christian summer camp “Camp Mystic.”
According to local officials, 68 bodies have been recovered so far, 28 of which are children. Many of the victims were attending the summer camp, where more than 750 children were staying at the time of the flood.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha stated that the search and rescue operations will continue until every missing person is found. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has warned that heavy rainfall may persist through Tuesday, potentially triggering further life-threatening flooding.
Eyewitnesses said the river rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, causing widespread destruction. The National Weather Service (NWS) has declared a state of emergency in several areas of Kerr County.
Rescue efforts involving helicopters, drones, and hundreds of emergency personnel are ongoing. So far, around 850 people have been rescued alive. The identities of 12 adults and 5 children among the deceased are yet to be confirmed.
Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said, “We are doing everything possible to find each missing person alive.”
Meanwhile, criticism has emerged against the Trump administration for its alleged negligence in early warning and emergency preparedness. Budget cuts and staff reductions in weather and emergency agencies are being blamed for the failure to provide timely alerts. However, local weather officials claimed that a flood warning was issued 12 hours before the disaster.
Families are sharing photos of their missing loved ones on social media in the hope of finding them. Thousands remain in a state of anxiety and uncertainty.
The Hill Country region of Texas, known for its river-based tourism, has suffered a severe blow. The century-old summer camps and tourist centers, which attract thousands of visitors annually, have been heavily affected by this catastrophic event.
