Flooding in southern Texas leaves multiple fatalities
The small town of Kerrville, located in Kerr County, Texas, is currently grappling with a severe and deadly flooding event along the Guadalupe River. The flooding, which has been described as a "catastrophic flood" by local authorities [1][2][3], has resulted in multiple fatalities, widespread evacuations, and ongoing emergency responses.
Affected Areas -----------------
Kerr County, situated approximately 60 miles north of San Antonio in the Texas Hill Country, has been hit the hardest. The City of Kerrville, near the Guadalupe River, has issued a disaster declaration and activated its Emergency Management Plan due to the flooding severity [1][5]. Campgrounds along the Guadalupe River, such as the girls-only Camp Mystic, have been evacuated, with some campers missing or stranded, and highways washed out by floodwaters [3].
Fatalities -----------
Multiple fatalities have been confirmed, but exact numbers have not been disclosed by officials out of respect and ongoing identification efforts [1][2][3]. Several children’s camps are in the area, and some children are reported missing or unaccounted for in the flooding disaster [3].
Flood Impact and Conditions ----------------------------
More than 6 to 10 inches of rain fell overnight with rates reaching up to 4 inches per hour. The Guadalupe River has reached its second-highest level on record, prompting flash flood emergencies and demanding urgent rescue operations [1][2]. Dozens of high-water rescues have been conducted, with first responders from Houston and Texas Task Force 1 assisting Kerr County authorities [1][3].
Evacuation and Safety Advice ------------------------------
Residents near creeks, streams, and especially the Guadalupe River are urged to immediately move to higher ground. Authorities have advised most residents to shelter in place and avoid traveling west of Ingram near the Guadalupe River due to dangerous conditions and ongoing rescues [1][2]. Evacuations are in place for campgrounds and other vulnerable areas, with emergency services actively working to rescue stranded individuals [3].
Outlook -------
Rainfall is expected to continue through the weekend, maintaining the risk of further flooding and complicating rescue and recovery efforts [4].
Residents are advised to stay off roads, heed evacuation orders, and move immediately to safer, higher ground if near water bodies [1][2][3].
I'm not sure about the exact number of fatalities related to the general-news event in Kerr County, Texas, but officials have confirmed multiple deaths and some children's camps are missing or unaccounted for amidst the catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River. The weather conditions have resulted in heavy rainfall, with up to 4 inches per hour, causing the river to reach its second-highest level on record, leading to flash flood emergencies and urgent rescue operations.
