Texas Floods: A Tragic Loss
A sudden wave of floods in central Texas has resulted in the tragic loss of 24 lives.
This was reported by Axios.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Layta confirmed at a press conference on Friday evening that 24 fatalities have been verified.
According to officials, over 230 people were rescued or evacuated on Friday, mostly with the assistance of helicopters.
Flooding in Texas
Intense rainfall on Friday led to sudden flooding along the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas, claiming lives and leaving nearly two dozen children missing from a summer camp by the river.
This was reported by Reuters, citing local authorities.
“It happened very quickly, in less than two hours, and it was unpredictable even with radar,” commented Kerrville Mayor Dalton Rice.
He clarified that the flood occurred before dawn, which hindered local authorities from issuing evacuation orders. The water levels in the Guadalupe rose rapidly beyond the flood stage.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Layta initially informed reporters that 13 bodies had been found in the area due to the severe weather. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed during a briefing that some adult and child bodies were found in vehicles swept away by the current.
Authorities also noted that they are searching for 23 girls who are considered missing. They were at a summer camp near the Guadalupe River, where their sleeping area was flooded around 4 a.m. local time.
“We are praying for the safe return of all the missing,” remarked Lieutenant Governor Patrick.