At least 27 people, including nine children, have been confirmed dead after flash floods swept through central Texas, authorities said, as rescuers continued to search for survivors, including dozens missing from a girls’ summer camp, Reuters reported.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office in Texas said more than 800 people had been evacuated from the region as floodwaters receded in the area around the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles (137 km) northwest of San Antonio.
“We will not stop until every person is found,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha told a news conference.
At least 23 to 25 people are missing from the Camp Mystic summer camp, most of them reportedly young girls. River water rose 29 feet near the camp.
The U.S. National Weather Service said the flash flood emergency had largely ended for Kerr County, the epicenter of the flooding. However, a flood warning remained in effect until 7 p.m. for the wider region.
Kerr County is located in the Texas Highlands, a rural area known for its rugged terrain, historic towns and other tourist attractions.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said up to 500 rescuers were searching for an unknown number of people still missing, including many who had come to the area to celebrate Independence Day by the river.
“We don’t know how many people were in tents on the side, in little trailers on the side, in rented houses on the side, because it was supposed to be a holiday,” he told Fox News Live.
US President Donald Trump stressed that the federal government was working with state and local officials to respond to the flooding.
“Melania and I are praying for all the families affected by this terrible tragedy. Our brave first responders are on the scene doing what they do best,” he said on social media.
Photo: illustration
