Central Texas flash floods unfortunately result in 78 reported deaths, with 10 camper casualties yet unaccounted for, as per the sheriff's statement.
In the aftermath of the devastating flash floods that hit Texas, authorities are facing growing scrutiny over whether enough warnings were issued in flood-prone areas. The disaster, which has left at least 79 people dead and over 40 still missing, has affected 20 counties across the state, with Kerr County bearing the brunt of the impact.
The tragedy has claimed the lives of many, with US President Donald Trump expressing his condolences on social media, stating, "These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing." Pope Leo also extended his sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones in the disaster.
In the first 36 hours following the floods, more than 850 people were rescued. Texas authorities used a variety of resources, including helicopters, boats, and drones, to look for victims and rescue stranded people. However, the search for the missing continues, shifting from rescue to recovery efforts.
Among the missing are 10 girls and one counsellor from a Christian summer camp. The area along the Guadalupe River, dotted with youth camps and campgrounds, was especially hard hit. The Guadalupe river surged more than eight metres in just 45 minutes on Friday, a testament to the sudden and intense nature of the flood.
The death toll from the flash floods has risen to 78 as of Sunday, with heavy rains continuing across Texas into the weekend, prompting more flash flood warnings. Despite being asked by officials not to do so, volunteers and some families of the missing are still searching the riverbanks for survivors.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged to keep searching until "everybody is found" from Friday's flash floods. He also declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state. In response to the disaster, US President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for the affected region, Kerr County, on Sunday.
Authorities have defended their actions, stating that they had not expected such an intense downpour. Nevertheless, the ongoing search and the rising death toll have raised questions about the adequacy of warning systems and emergency response plans in flood-prone areas. The search for the missing continues, with hope that more survivors will be found.
General news outlets are reporting an increase in car accidents due to flooded roads and poor visibility in fire-ravaged areas of Texas, exacerbated by the ongoing heavy weather conditions. Amidst the continuing recovery efforts and the tragedy of the flash floods that have left 79 dead and over 40 missing, authoritative bodies are confronting growing concerns regarding the preparedness and efficiency of emergency response plans, particularly in flood-prone regions.
