The devastating flash floods that impacted central Texas last Friday have resulted in at least 107 confirmed fatalities, with many individuals still unaccounted for. Rescue teams are navigating through the debris and treacherous conditions as additional rainstorms loom, diminishing hopes of locating any survivors four days post-tragedy.
Among the deceased are at least 27 girls and staff from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. One adult and five campers remain missing. The Guadalupe River in Kerr County overflowed due to heavy downpours, claiming 87 lives, including 56 adults and 31 children. Unidentified victims, totaling 19 adults and 7 children, were also reported.
The camp expressed their grief, stating: “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.” Tragically, Richard Eastland, the camp’s co-owner, lost his life while attempting to aid the children, remembered by local pastor Del Way as a hero missed by all.
While some have criticized budget reductions to the National Weather Service (NWS) as detrimental, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt asserted that warnings were issued well ahead of the disaster. President Trump plans to visit Texas soon, addressing the severity of the situation but not attributing fault to budget cuts.
Texas leaders and residents are advocating for improved flood siren systems. Additionally, condolences from global figures, including King Charles III, have poured in, expressing empathy towards those affected by this unprecedented event.
Source: www.bbc.com
