Flood disaster in Texas: 129 dead, 166 missing
Illustrative photo: 166 people are still missing in Texas (Getty Images)
As a result of a devastating flood in the American state of Texas, at least 129 people have died. The most affected was Kerr County–dozens of children died there, and the search for the missing continues, according to AP and ABC.
The number of victims of the devastating flood in Texas, America, is rising. As of Saturday, July 12, the death of at least 129 people has been officially confirmed, local authorities reported.
The most affected was Kerr County, where the disaster claimed the lives of 103 people, 36 of whom were children. Another 166 people are considered missing.
What happened
The flood hit the mountainous region of the state on the night of July 4 – right in the midst of the US Independence Day celebrations.
In 45 minutes, the water level in the Guadalupe River rose by 8 meters, flooding dozens of youth camps and recreation areas that were located in or near the riverbed.
Experts indicate that in the places where the water breached the banks, its level exceeded the forecasts of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
According to First Street, a company that models climate risks, more than 8 million homes in the US are undervalued in terms of flood risk, and FEMA's current model is outdated.
According to the agency, on the night of the tragedy, local authorities did not activate the emergency alert system, which forces phones to issue loud warning signals.
Instead, warnings were sent only via SMS and only to those who had previously registered in the system.
The flood in Texas
It should be reminded that the flood in central Texas began in the morning of July 4. Due to severe flooding, the water in Kerr County rose by 8–9 meters in just 45 minutes.
In the private children’s camp Mystic, where 700 people were staying, dozens died or went missing. The search for 10 girls and a counselor continues.
Due to the tragedy, US President Donald Trump declared a state of natural disaster in Texas. On July 6, he stated that he planned to visit the state on Friday. He also promised that federal assistance to Texas would be extended.
