Texas flooding newest: 9 youngsters amongst 27 lifeless whereas frantic search continues for lacking summer season camp women
Four girls missing from a summer camp were found dead as a desperate search for dozens of other campers continues after devastating floods hit Texas, killing at least 27.
The death toll rose to 27 as of Saturday morning, with Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirming that 18 adults and nine children had died as a result of the floods. As of Saturday morning, at least 850 had been rescued or evacuated, officials said.
There are also 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River that was ravaged by the floods, officials said.
Four girls who attended Camp Mystic have been found dead, according to reports, marking a tragic end to a day-long search.
The unexpected flash flooding struck on Friday after torrential rain along the Guadalupe River. The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn on Friday washed out homes and swept away vehicles.
At least 400 people were on the ground helping in the response, Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said. Nine rescue teams. The U.S. Coast Guard has saved or assisted in saving 223 lives, Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem said on Saturday.
President Donald Trump has described the floods as “terrible” and “shocking.”
Officials to provide updates on search and rescue efforts
State and federal officials will host a press conference at 2.45 p.m. local time “to update Texans on ongoing search & rescue efforts in counties affected by flooding,” according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s press office.
More rain is expected to hit south central Texas
A flash flood watch is now in effect for parts of Texas near Austin and San Antonio, the National Weather Service warned.
The rain is expected to pummel the same area that has been hit with lots of rain over the past 24 hours.
“Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations,” the agency warned.
Two others confirmed dead in Travis County, officials say
Two others have died and an additional 10 have been reported missing after floods ravaged the region, according to Travis County Emergency Services District 1.
One of the missing people is a 17-year-old girl, according to KXAN.
“We literally had homes that were washed away. We had people trapped in homes,” Travis County Fire Chief Donnie Norman told KXAN. Many of these residents were rescued, he added.
Officials have urged locals to resist the urge to join the search.
“Don’t become a statistic, please stay home,” Norman added.
Two more campers confirmed dead after catastrophic floods
The families of two girls who went missing after floods devastated Camp Mystic — Sarah Marsh and Lila Bonner — confirmed the tragic news.
Alabama Republican Senator Katie Boyd Britt issued a statement regarding Marsh’s passing. “Wesley and I are heartbroken over the loss of Sarah Marsh, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time,” she wrote Saturday afternoon.
“We continue to pray for the victims’ loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas.”
Bonner’s family sent a statement to CNN about their 9-year-old: “In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time,” the family said in a statement. “We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss.”
WATCH: Texas flooding: North Texas girls missing
Flash floods form rapidly — here’s why they’re so dangerous
According to the National Weather Service, a flash flood is flooding that begins within six hours, and often in as little as three hours, of heavy rainfall.
Waters rise so quickly that people are caught off guard, according to the weather service.. Many people run into trouble while traveling. If at home or work, the water can rise so quickly people are trapped before they have time to think about escape.
That is just what happened to residents along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County and the surrounding area after at least 10 inches (25 centimeters) poured from the sky early Friday morning.
Here’s the full story.
Texas AG sends prayers to families during time of ‘unimaginable pain and suffering’
The state’s Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement in the wake of the floods.
“This tragic unimaginable flood in the hill country has brought so much loss and devastation. This morning Texans are praying for these families. God be with them during this time of unimaginable pain and suffering,” he wrote in a social media post Saturday morning.
“I wanna thank all of the first responders and volunteers that are working around the clock. This is truly tragic situation. My office stands ready to assist in anyway we can for the victims of this tragic situation. Our hearts mourn with you.”
More than 850 people rescued as search efforts continue
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced that 850 uninjured people and eight injured people have been rescued after the floods devastated the region.
Tragically, 27 people —18 adults and nine children — died in the catastrophic floods. Six adults and one child are currently unidentified, according to the sheriff’s office in a Saturday morning statement.
“We are unable to release any further information on the deceased at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and their loved ones. We are working hard to locate anyone who is still missing and ensure they are safe,” the sheriff’s office said.
Officials are still searching for 27 missing children who attended Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
Other locals visiting the area could also be missing, but officials haven’t tried calculating that number, they said Saturday morning.
Mother reunites with Camp Mystic girl: ‘We are so grateful’
Reunification efforts are underway after 27 people were killed in the catastrophic floods in Texas.
More than two dozen girls attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, are still missing.
Jenny MacLennan told the New York Times she’s “grateful” to be a parent who has been reunited with her 10-year-old daughter. The girl’s cabin was on high ground above the floods, she told the outlet.
“It’s completely devastating” that so many families haven’t reunited with their children, MacLennan said. “We were one of the ones that did, and we are so grateful.”
The Red Cross is assisting with reunification, according to the Kerr County sheriff’s office.
If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767.
Flash floods pummel south-central Texas
Texas braces for more flash floods as rescue efforts are still underway for at least 27 missing girls.
South central Texas can expect additional flash floods near the Guadalupe River, which surged 29 feet in a matter of hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Officials urged locals to evacuate immediately or find higher ground if evacuation isn’t possible.
Source: independent.co.uk
