Texas flooding newest: 9 youngsters amongst 27 useless whereas frantic search continues for lacking summer time 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.”
President Trump is ‘heartbroken’ by Texas floods, Noem says
“Know that President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what’s happened here in Texas,” Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem said at Saturday afternoon press conference, noting the president is committed to using federal resources to help the state.
She called the disaster “unprecedented.”
“We will be relentless in going after and making sure we locate every single person who has been a victim of this flooding event,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. “We’ll stop when the job is completed.”
After signing a disaster declaration on Friday, the governor signed an expanded declaration to include additional counties impacted by the heavy rainfall and floods. Abbott also signed a request for federal assistance.
“That relief will be coming,” Noem said. She noted that Trump indicated he would accept the request.
In photos: The aftermath of the floods in Kerrville
How the Texas Hill Country flood went from small water flow to deadly tide
A powerful flash flood hit Central Texas’ Hill Country late Friday into early Saturday, leaving at least 27 people dead, including children, while many more are still missing.
Most of the missing were attending Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp along the Guadalupe River.
What began as a routine flood watch quickly turned into a deadly disaster. The National Weather Service predicted between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with some isolated spots possibly getting 5 to 7 inches. Instead, parts of Kerr County were slammed with 10 to 15 inches, and in some places, over 20 inches, within a few hours.
San Antonio Express-News newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze said the storm was fueled by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and leftovers from Tropical Storm Barry. These combined to create a slow-moving weather system that stayed over the area and dumped heavy rain over hills and valleys.
Erin Keller has the story.
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.”
Source: independent.co.uk
