At least 24 people have lost their lives and about 25 children are missing due to massive flooding in Texas.
Flash floods in Texas – Deaths, missing
Missing children feared lost in Texas floodwaters: At least 24 people were killed in flash floods that swept through the state of Texas on Friday. More than 25 girls who were attending a summer camp are missing. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, causing massive flooding in nearby areas. Telecommunications outages have made it difficult to get information about missing people.
Rescue operations – Extensive forces in the field
Relief operations are continuing across the state. 14 helicopters, 12 drones, 9 rescue teams, water swimmers and about 500 security personnel are in the field. According to Major General Thomas Suelzer, “high-profile tactical vehicles” have also been deployed, and 237 people have been evacuated to safety so far.
Warning systems fail – Camp evacuations a disaster
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said he regretted that the disaster was not anticipated and that the lack of a warning system prevented the evacuation of camps. He said the impact this time was worse than the floods in 1987.
Warnings to the public – stay alert
Missing children feared lost in Texas floodwaters: The weather service warned that there was a risk of more flash floods as the state received months of rainfall in a matter of hours. Texas Department of Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller urged people to be alert, not to drive in flooded areas, and to follow the instructions of officials. Meanwhile, people are pleading for the whereabouts of their family members through social media platforms.