A powerful flash flood struck Texas, beginning on July 4, and has led to widespread devastation and a mounting death toll. Authorities have confirmed that at least 105 people are dead, with dozens still unaccounted for.
A flood notice was issued midday on Thursday, July 3, and the National Weather Service sent out an urgent warning around 4 a.m.. Early Friday morning, many people noted that water levels were rising rapidly. The intense rainfall sent water down hills which rushed into the Guadalupe River, making it rise 26 feet in 45 minutes.
Kerr County has reported the largest death toll, with over 87 individuals, and other counties were impacted as well, including Travis County, Kendall County, Burnet County, Williamson County and Tom Green County.
Massive search efforts for victims are still underway, including ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river. The camp has confirmed already that 27 campers and counselors are dead. Among them was the camp’s owner, Dick Eastland, who died trying to save campers, according to local reports.
With potentially more rain on the way, rescuers are trying to navigate the complete devastation that has hit Central Texas. President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, and press secretary, Karoline Laevitt, has said that Trump will visit the area later this week.
Communities are rallying together after this horrific tragedy, supporting those who are grieving and searching for those still missing.
