Texas, devastating flood in the centre of the state: at least 24 dead and dozens missing

Children among the victims and missing persons. Summer camp swept away by the Guadalupe River flood at risk. Major rescue operation underway

The provisional death toll from the violent flooding that hit central Texas, particularly Kerr County, has risen to 24, with an unknown number of missing persons, estimated between 23 and 25, according to Sheriff Larry L. Leitha.

Among the missing are several girls from a summer camp, Camp Mystic, which housed about 750 children along the banks of the Guadalupe River. The water level rose 8 metres in just 45 minutes, sweeping away everything in its path with a sudden wave generated by heavy overnight rains.

Children among the victims
Some of the confirmed victims are minors, the sheriff confirmed. The situation remains dramatic and evolving. Many of the children staying at the summer camp have been evacuated or rescued, but the number of missing persons and the extent of the damage remain uncertain.

Impressive rescue operation
The rescue operation involves over 500 people, supported by 14 helicopters. 237 people have already been rescued, 167 of them by air, from flooded waters and isolated areas.

A video shared by the governor of Texas shows a rescuer recovering a person clinging to the top of a tree. Other videos posted on social media document the impact of the flooding: houses swept away, trees felled and water up to 30 cm high in residential areas.

Trump: “A terrible tragedy, we will take care of them”
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, called the situation “terrible” and promised federal support. “It’s shocking. It looks like some young people have died. We are working on it with the governor. It’s a terrible thing,” he said.

No timely warning
The controversy also centres on the lack of communication: Kerr County officials reported that they did not receive timely warnings of an impending flood, despite weather alerts having been issued for the area. A public safety official warned that another wave could hit other counties in the coming hours.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)