The death toll from the floods that struck central Texas last weekend has risen to 82 today, including 28 children. Rescuers are continuing their search in difficult conditions for individuals still reported missing, among whom are 10 missing girls from the Mystic summer camp.
The total number of fatalities in Kerr County has climbed to 68, said County Sheriff Larry Leitha, as reported by CNN. Six deaths were reported in Travis County, three in Burnet County, and two in Kendall County. Two people died in Williamson County, while one fatality was reported in Tom Green County.
Search Efforts Amidst Devastation
During the search, rescuers are contending with broken trees, overturned cars, and debris-filled mud. Authorities have not yet disclosed the total number of missing people, aside from the 10 girls and one guide from the Christian summer camp, Mystic. Confirmed victims include an eight-year-old girl from Mountain Brook, Alabama, who was at Mystic Camp, as well as the director of a nearby camp.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick previously told Fox News that the death toll is expected to rise.
Ongoing Threat and State Response
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that flash floods continue to pose a threat to parts of Texas, with new rains anticipated in several areas. Officials have urged residents in Hunt, a community in Kerr County, to move to higher ground due to potential flooding.
Abbott has ordered search and rescue teams to operate under the assumption that every missing person is still alive. He had previously declared a state of emergency due to the floods that hit central Texas on Friday.
Heavy rains, which fell in record amounts in some parts of the region within just a few hours, caused flash floods in the Guadalupe River. Videos posted on social media show water carrying everything in its path, with one video even depicting houses being swept away by the water. According to some information, people were in the houses at that moment.
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Source: Euronews, Foto: AP / Julio Cortez