United States: The devastating floods that swept through Texas on July Fourth have claimed over 100 lives, with many victims being children, authorities confirmed Tuesday.
The search continues for over 180 individuals still unaccounted for, as Governor Gregg Abbott emphasized the relentless efforts to locate all missing persons.
“Know this, we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” Abbott assured residents and volunteers.
Most of the casualties and ongoing rescue operations are centered in Kerr County and the town of Kerrville, where the community is grappling with the aftermath of the disaster. Kerrville, a town of 25,000 residents, was transformed into a scene of devastation after unprecedented rainfall struck early last Friday morning.
In less than an hour, the region experienced more than a foot of rain—twice the predicted amount—leading to devastating flooding in the Guadalupe River basin.
Among the victims were 27 campers and staff from Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls' camp that has served the community for nearly a century along the river. Sadly, the camp director was also among those who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Abbott said on Tuesday that five girls and a camp counselor were still unaccounted for, as well as another child not associated with the camp.
In addition to deaths reported in Kerr County, Abbot said more than a dozen other flood-related fatalities had been confirmed across a swath of Texas Hill Country known as "flash flood alley."
