At least 82 people have been confirmed dead and dozens remain missing after catastrophic floods swept through central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, with Kerr County emerging as one of the hardest-hit areas, CNN reports.
Local officials report that among the fatalities in Kerr County are 40 adults and 28 children, marking one of the deadliest natural disasters in recent Texas history.
The flooding, triggered by relentless rainfall, caused rivers and streams to rise rapidly, overwhelming communities with little warning.
One of the most tragic incidents occurred near Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River.
Authorities say the river rose more than 20 feet in under two hours during the early morning of July 4.
As of Monday, at least 41 people are still missing, including 10 girls and one counselor from the camp. Rescue operations are ongoing, with search teams combing through debris and flooded areas for survivors.
Kerr County Sheriff’s Office has warned that new rainfall has already begun to swell waterways once again, exacerbating conditions for emergency crews. “We’re not out of danger yet,” the sheriff said in a press briefing. “The threat is far from over.”
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency in multiple counties and urged residents to stay alert.
“Flash flooding continues to pose a danger as more heavy rainfall is expected across central and southern Texas,” Abbott stated.
Emergency shelters have been set up for displaced families, while National Guard and local agencies work around the clock to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.
Weather forecasters predict that unstable weather may persist through the week, raising concerns that flood conditions could worsen. Residents are being urged to monitor official updates and evacuate low-lying areas as necessary.
