Texas Flooding Claims Lives and Leaves Youth Campers Missing
Authorities report 24 fatalities and ongoing search efforts for missing children from Camp Mystic following severe flooding from unexpected rainfall.
In Texas, the death toll from severe flooding has risen to 24, as emergency services continue to search for between 23 to 25 children from Camp Mystic who remain unaccounted for.
The children were reported missing after heavy rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks, leading to rapid and devastating flooding in the region during the early hours.
The Texas Division of Emergency Management has coordinated search and rescue operations, deploying state and local resources to assist in locating the missing campers.
The flooding occurred in a matter of hours, catching many residents and visitors by surprise, as the region experienced an unusual intensity of rainfall.
Local officials have confirmed that several campsites were inundated, with vehicles swept away and roads rendered impassable.
Rescuers have been working through the challenging conditions, which included swift currents and debris-laden waters, complicating recovery efforts.
As of now, authorities have not specified the ages of the missing campers or detailed their last known locations.
The National Weather Service issued flood warnings for the area prior to the storm, but the scale and rapidity of the rainfall exceeded initial predictions.
State officials are assessing the overall impact of the flooding on infrastructure, with multiple reports of damaged homes and disrupted services.
Family members of the missing campers have been gathering at designated sites, as the community grapples with the unfolding tragedy.
Schools and local organizations are rallying support for the affected families, offering counseling and assistance during this difficult time.
The search for those missing is expected to continue in the coming days as authorities remain committed to finding survivors.