Flash floods swept through Kerr County, Texas, after the area received up to 300 mm of rain overnight, equivalent to one-third of the average annual rainfall.

Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said the water rose as people prepared for July 4th celebrations. "We couldn't predict this. There were flood warnings and preparations, but things happened too fast," he said.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 13 deaths and warned the toll could rise.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said some victims were children. Rescuers were searching for 23 girls from the Mystic summer camp near the Guadalupe River after the river rose 8 meters in 45 minutes. "This doesn't mean the group perished; they could be sheltering in trees or out of contact," he said.

Patrick read a message from the camp director, where about 750 people were staying, describing the "catastrophic flooding." "We have no power, water, or wifi," the message said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared images of helicopter rescues, vowing efforts would continue until everyone was found.

Around 500 rescue personnel and 14 helicopters were deployed, along with the Texas National Guard and US Coast Guard.

Debris swept along the Guadalupe River in Texas on 4/7. Photo: _AP_

Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said the rain had stopped, but warned of more rain around San Antonio and Austin.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said, "We didn't know there would be flash floods," adding that the area frequently experiences flooding.

The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood warning for Kerr County, urging those near the Guadalupe River to seek higher ground. At least 10 people died in flash floods in San Antonio last month after heavy rain.

Pham Giang (According to AFP)