**Flash Flooding Devastates Central Texas, Multiple Casualties Reported**

**In a tragic turn of events, central Texas faces significant flooding, resulting in fatalities and ongoing emergency responses as additional rainfall threatens already flooded areas.**

Heavy flash flooding has struck central Texas, resulting in several fatalities and numerous individuals reported missing, following a violent deluge early Friday morning. The Hill Country and Concho Valley regions have been hit particularly hard, prompting disaster declarations by state officials.

Rescue operations and evacuations have been actively ongoing since the dawn hours, although forecasts indicate the danger may not yet be over. "Even with only light rainfall, there's a substantial risk of further flooding in these vulnerable locations," cautioned Acting Governor Dan Patrick.

Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that the state is mobilizing all the necessary resources to assist affected communities, particularly in Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt within the impacted Hill Country. Images from the area reveal terrifying scenes of submerged highways and bridges, as swift waters loom perilously close to residences.

Authorities have not yet released a definitive count of casualties or the number of persons unaccounted for amidst the chaos. "Please exercise caution. Stay vigilant, adhere to emergency directives, and avoid traversing flooded pathways," urged Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture.

In a statement, the Kerr County Sheriff's Office characterized the scenario as a "catastrophic flooding event" while advising residents living near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to seek higher ground. As rescue efforts progress, the region remains on high alert for the possibility of additional flooding.