Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported on 5/7, "We have found 43 deceased in Kerr County, including 28 adults and 15 children." 850 people were evacuated, and eight were injured.
In Burnet County, three people died and two are missing. Many major roads and bridges were damaged. Officials reported widespread power outages in the county.
At least four people died in Travis County and one in Kendall County.
Severe flooding caused by heavy rain in Texas, USA on 5/7. Video: AFP
The flooding began on 4/7 when a month's worth of rain fell in just a few hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise 8 meters in 45 minutes. Floodwaters overwhelmed a series of student camps along the river.
At a press conference, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he expanded the disaster declaration to more counties and requested additional federal resources from President Donald Trump.
Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd said air, land, and water rescue teams are searching along the Guadalupe River for survivors and bodies. "We will continue until we find all the missing," he said.
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The scene of devastation after flash floods in Kerrville, Texas on 5/7. Photo: AFP |
The scene of devastation after flash floods in Kerrville, Texas on 5/7. Photo: AFP
Sheriff Leitha said 27 girls attending Camp Mystic Christian in Kerr County are still missing. Approximately 750 girls were registered for the camp. US media, citing families of the victims, reported that four of the missing girls have died.
"I drove from Austin to the flooded area after hearing the news. Now, I can only hope for a miracle," said Michael, who is searching for his 8-year-old daughter who attended the camp.
The National Weather Service (NWS) forecasts continued heavy rain and "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." Several flash flood warnings were issued over the weekend in central Texas.
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Law enforcement officers remove the body of a flood victim found on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Texas on 5/7. Photo: AFP |
Law enforcement officers remove the body of a flood victim found on the banks of the Guadalupe River, Texas on 5/7. Photo: AFP
In Kerrville on 5/7, the normally tranquil Guadalupe River raged, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the treetops, about 10 meters high. Cars and houses were swept away by the river," said local resident Gerardo Martinez, 61.
Officials described the speed and extent of the flooding as shocking. "We didn't know this flood was coming," said official Rob Kelly.
Another official, Dalton Rice, said rescuers are facing "very difficult" conditions and warned people to stay away from the scene. It's unclear how many people were at the popular campsite.
"It's been years since we've had flooding, but we've never had a flood like this. It's devastating," said Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident.
Huyen Le (According to AFP, CNN)
