A tragedy of great magnitude strikes central Texas, where at least 24 people have died and more than 20 girls are still missing after the devastating floods caused by torrential rains in recent hours.
The missing minors were at the Christian camp Camp Mystic, located along the Guadalupe River, in Kerr County, about 100 km northwest of San Antonio.
They were part of a group of 750 girls who attended the summer accommodation site.
Reports describe that the Guadalupe River rose nearly eight meters in less than an hour, sweeping away cabins and mobile homes where people were spending the festive weekend of July 4th. Bridges and roads were also destroyed.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick described it as an unprecedented flood.
"In just 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet and it was a devastating flood, taking away properties and, sadly, lives," he said at a press conference.
The National Guard conducted hundreds of rescues and evacuations. Their personnel work tirelessly alongside volunteer rescuers, helicopters, and drones in a race against time to find the girls.
The authorities have not yet been able to confirm whether they are lost or simply cut off, as the camp has no electricity, water, or internet connection.
"The road was devastated, so we are having difficulties receiving more aid," stated the camp personnel, who are isolated.
The local sheriff's office urged residents to move to higher ground due to the risk of further flooding.
Governor Greg Abbott signed an emergency declaration covering 15 counties in Central Texas.
President Donald Trump described the disaster as "shocking" and promised full federal support for rescue and recovery efforts.
"We will take care of them. We are working with the governor. It's something terrible," he declared to reporters aboard Air Force One while heading to his club in New Jersey.
This event is more severe than the floods of 1987, which resulted in the deaths of 10 teenagers in a school bus near the same region.
Local officials, such as county judge Rob Kelly, stated that there was no time to evacuate because "nobody knew this flood was coming." Nevertheless, Kelly admitted that the region lacks a early warning system.
As the search continues and the numbers may rise, authorities have urged those who do not live in the area to refrain from traveling to the affected region, in order to avoid hindering emergency operations.
Frequently asked questions about flooding in Texas and the disappearance of girls
How many people have died due to the floods in Texas?
At least 24 people have died as a result of the flooding in central Texas, according to the latest reports. Torrential rains caused a sudden rise in the Guadalupe River, destroying infrastructure and sweeping away cabins and mobile homes.
How many girls are missing after the floods?
More than 20 girls remain missing after flooding swept through Camp Mystic, where they were attending a summer camp. Authorities are working to locate them, but their whereabouts have not yet been confirmed due to a lack of communication in the affected area.
What measures are being taken to address the emergency in Texas?
The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has signed a declaration of emergency that covers 15 counties in central Texas. The National Guard is conducting rescues and evacuations in collaboration with volunteer rescuers, helicopters, and drones. Furthermore, President Donald Trump has promised full federal support for rescue and recovery efforts.
Why wasn't the affected area evacuated in time due to the flooding?
According to local officials, "no one knew this flood was coming", which prevented timely evacuation. The area lacks a early warning system, which further complicated the prevention of this tragedy. Furthermore, the extreme weather conditions increased the difficulty of a quick response.
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