Catastrophic Floods in Texas Claim at Least 51 Lives, 27 Girls Remain Missing as Search and Rescue Teams Traverse Ravaged Terrain
In the small town of Kerrville, Texas, a historic flash flood has left a trail of destruction and heartbreak. As of the latest reports, more than two dozen people, including 27 children from Camp Mystic, remain missing, and the death toll has reached at least 43 people, including 15 children[1][2][3]. The total death toll across central Texas due to this disaster stands at 70[1].
The flooding, described as a "once-in-a-century" event by U.S. Rep. Chip Roy, was caused by a 26-foot rise in the Guadalupe River in just 45 minutes before daybreak on Friday[3]. This sudden surge caught many residents, campers, and officials by surprise, as the weekend forecast had only called for rain, with a flood watch upgraded to a warning overnight Friday for at least 30,000 people[3].
The intensity of the downpour was unforeseen, with rainfall equivalent to months of rain occurring in a short time[3]. Despite the area being known as "flash flood alley," officials did not expect the flood to be this severe[3]. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the flooding but did not indicate specific prior warnings or shortcomings in alerting residents[3].
Rescue efforts have been ongoing, with Coast Guard helicopters and planes assisting to ensure operations can continue even in darkness[3]. More than 850 people have been rescued in the last 36 hours[3]. Officials reported success in reuniting some people with their loved ones, but efforts are ongoing[3].
The county had considered a flood warning system on the river similar to a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, but the idea never got off the ground due to cost concerns[3]. The search and rescue efforts are ongoing, using helicopters, boats, and drones[3].
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed heartbreak at seeing body bags at the funeral home and the devastation on the ground during a helicopter tour[3]. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged that the Trump administration would use all available resources to aid in recovery efforts[3]. Governor Greg Abbott has declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state and vowed to work around the clock[3].
One reunification center at an elementary school was mostly quiet after taking in hundreds of evacuees the day before[3]. The community is now left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event, with a long and toilsome recovery ahead.
[1] https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/26/us/texas-flood-death-toll-rising/index.html [2] https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/texas-flood-death-toll-rises-27-children-still-missing-n1271762 [3] https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/26/texas-flood-kerr-county-missing-children/
- As the search for the missing continues, local politics in Kerrville, Texas, have taken a backseat to the general-news of the devastating flood, with officials focusing on rescue efforts and disaster recovery.
- In addition to the tragedies in the realm of crime-and-justice, such as the missing children from Camp Mystic, the flood has also caused widespread damages, disrupting daily life and sports activities in the community.
- As the weather clears, meteorologists will be analyzing the factors that contributed to this once-in-a-century event, hoping to learn lessons that can aid in preventing future accidents of such magnitude.
