A devastating flash flood has swept through central Texas, claiming the lives of at least 24 people. Authorities report a search is ongoing for multiple missing children who were attending a summer camp near the Guadalupe River.
According to officials, the river’s water level rose dramatically, increasing by approximately eight meters (26 feet) in just 45 minutes overnight. Initial reports from the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office had previously indicated 13 fatalities, a number that has since been significantly revised. The deceased include both adults and children and some bodies were discovered inside vehicles that were carried away by the floodwaters.
A massive response effort is underway, involving approximately 500 rescue personnel and 14 helicopters. The Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard are providing crucial support in the search and recovery operations.
Freeman Martin, head of the Texas Department of Public Safety, warned of the potential for further flooding events. The county administrator, Rob Kelly, described the disaster as exceptionally destructive and lethal. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged the full commitment of state resources to assist in the response.
The current tragedy follows a similar flash flood event in San Antonio, located southeast of Kerr County, which resulted in at least ten deaths in mid-June. The ongoing situation underscores the region’s vulnerability to sudden and powerful flooding.
