Deadly flash flood in Texas: 24 killed, dozens of children missing
Illustrative photo: In Texas, 24 people died and up to 25 children went missing after sudden flooding (Getty Images)
At least 24 people died due to a catastrophic flood in Central Texas, and up to 25 children from a girls’ camp are considered missing, according to Axios.
The disaster struck early in the morning on July 4 after a rapid rise in the level of the Guadalupe River.
According to authorities, the main impact of the disaster fell on Kerr County, about 100 km from San Antonio.
The water level reached 8 meters in just 45 minutes, washing out roads and even sweeping away ambulances. In some places, the water reached nearly 9 meters.
County Sheriff Larry Leitha stated at an evening press conference that over 230 people were evacuated or rescued during Friday, many of them with the help of helicopters.
The Camp Mystic was especially affected, where more than 700 children were present at the time of the flood.
Reaction of the authorities
"Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States," said Kerry County Judge Rob Kelly.
He emphasized that no one expected such a rapid and powerful flood.
The head of the Texas State Emergency Service, Nim Kidd, added that such an amount of rainfall was not predicted in any forecast.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated that the authorities would do "everything humanly possible" to find the missing girls.
The state government has already appealed for help to the White House. Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency and promised to deploy all necessary resources until the search and rescue operation is complete.
In May, a large-scale flood occurred in Nigeria after heavy rains. More than 100 people died, and dozens of houses were washed away by the water.
According to the authorities, at least 110 people died, and dozens are considered missing. The disaster struck the city of Mokwa in Niger State.
As reported by the head of the local emergency agency, Abdullahi Baba-Arah, torrents of water washed away more than 50 residential buildings along with the residents.
