The aftermath of catastrophic flooding in Texas has left at least 150 individuals missing, including campers from a local summer camp. Despite relentless rescue efforts, the situation remains dire, with officials indicating more victims may yet be found.
Texas Flood Catastrophe Leaves 150 Missing as Search Efforts Intensify
Texas Flood Catastrophe Leaves 150 Missing as Search Efforts Intensify
Five days after devastating flash floods, over 150 people remain unaccounted for in Kerr County, Texas, prompting extensive search operations amid growing concerns for the missing.
At least 150 individuals continue to be unaccounted for in Kerr County, Texas, five days following catastrophic flash floods that devastated parts of the region, as hope for finding survivors begins to wane. Among the missing are five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp situated along the Guadaloupe River. The heartbreaking toll of this disaster reflects a grim reality: at least 119 lives have been claimed, with the majority of fatalities recorded in the Kerrville area.
Texas is not alone in facing such tragic deluges; neighboring New Mexico experienced its own flash flood emergencies, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals. Reports indicate nearly 8.8 cm (3.5 inches) of rain fell, leading to severe flooding in Ruidoso, where floodwaters have since receded.
Amid relentless search efforts, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has assured that rescue crews will not relent until every person is accounted for. However, he cautioned that the number of missing could increase in the days to come, calling on residents to report any unaccounted individuals. General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas National Guard confirmed that helicopters, including Chinook and Black Hawk models, are currently deployed to aid in the search, alongside ongoing drone operations.
A coalition of responders, comprising various agencies such as the FBI and border patrol, has gathered in Kerrville, amassing over 250 personnel dedicated to the rescue effort. Volunteers have described the operations as nearly insurmountable due to the sheer scale of destruction. One volunteer noted, “It’s like searching for a single hay in a haystack,” highlighting the difficulties faced by rescuers.
As investigations into the effectiveness of prior flood warnings unfold, questions linger regarding whether timely evacuations were possible. Abbott emphasized that while warnings were issued, the unprecedented severity of the situation caught many, including authorities, off guard.
The devastation in Kerr County is underscored by tragic personal accounts, with Camp Mystic confirming at least 27 of its campers and staff among the deceased. Survivors, like Justin Brown from the Blue Oak RV Park, are now grappling with the loss of homes. President Donald Trump is expected to visit the affected areas, alongside First Lady Melania Trump, as communities desperately work towards recovery.
In New Mexico, the National Weather Service issued warnings about potential flooding as a flash flood emergency unfolded in Ruidoso, where the Rio Ruidoso surged to alarming levels. Ongoing rescues are being conducted to aid those ensnared by the sudden deluges, in stark contrast to the worsened conditions seen in Texas.
