Texas floods claim at least 50 lives and 30 children are reported missing
In the heart of Texas, a summer retreat for generations of Texas girls has turned into a site of tragedy following severe flash floods that have left at least 20 children missing and over 50 people dead. The incident occurred at Camp Mystic in the Texas Hill Country, a cherished retreat that has now become the epicentre of this heart-wrenching disaster.
The floods, caused by heavy rains, were unexpectedly severe, according to local officials. In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River, which runs through the affected area, rose approximately 25 feet - the equivalent of a third of the county's average annual precipitation. This rapid rise in water levels has resulted in "catastrophic flooding," with houses and trees being swept away, as depicted in videos circulating on social media.
The situation remains critical as emergency responders continue their efforts to locate the missing children and assist survivors. As of the latest updates, at least 13 fatalities have been reported, with 15 of the deceased being minors. The affected area, known as the most dangerous river valley in the United States, has presented challenging conditions for rescue and recovery efforts.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared a video of a person being rescued from a tree by a helicopter during the flood, highlighting the urgency and danger of the situation. The summer camp, which hosts approximately 750 girls, currently has no electricity, water, or wifi.
In response to the flood situation, US President Donald Trump expressed shock, emphasising the devastating and deadly nature of the floods in Texas. The community is coming together to support the survivors and families affected by this tragic event, offering prayers and resources in these challenging times.
The Governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, shared a video of a rescue operation, depicting the urgency and danger posed by the floods in Texas, a federal emergency being declared for the affected area. Amidst the heart-wrenching disaster, the French news outlets reported on this general-news event, also covering the crime-and-justice aspect as a missing persons case, with over 20 children being unaccounted for. Meanwhile, the weather in the area has taken a dramatic turn, with the normally dry terrain experiencing these unexpected severe flash floods, causing catastrophic destruction.