At least 24 people are dead after ten inches of rain caused deadly flash flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas.
There also fears for 20 schoolgirls who are missing from a summer camp after the rain raised waters by 22 feet overnight bringing catastrophic flooding to the area.
The raging waters have overtaken areas in South Central Texas, including overnight summer camps for kids and families in the area.
Acting Texas Governor Dan Patrick said more than 20 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp along the river in Kerr County, were missing after the camp evacuated overnight.
The camp said on Friday morning that the parents of missing children had been notified.
“Right now, there are 20-something [children] that aren’t accounted for,” Patrick said on Friday afternoon.
“That does not mean they’ve been lost. They could be in a tree or out of communication,” he added.
“We’re praying for all of those missing to be found alive.”
Patrick said rescue teams are searching the area by ground as helicopters and drones look by air.
Footage shared on social media showed what appeared to be a camp cabin traveling down the river with multiple people inside.
It’s unclear where the cabin came from and the condition or identities of the people inside.
The raging floods have swept away homes, entire RV parks and cars across the region, which was pummeled with one-third of a year’s worth of rain over the course of just a few short hours.
Kerr County residents near the river are being told to evacuate the region immediately and to avoid traveling.
The South Central Texas area is experiencing historic rainfall, which has triggered a “deadly flood wave” that prompted four flash flood emergency warnings.
Over seven inches of rain fell within six hours in the county.
“Flash flooding is already occurring. This is a Flash Flood Emergency for the Guadalupe River from Center Point to Sisterdale,” the National Weather Service warned.
“This is a particularly dangerous situation. Seek higher ground now!”
The deadly floods have already claimed the lives of several people.
“We can confirm (the deaths) but we are afraid there may be more,” County Judge Rob Kelly told the Austin American-Statesman.
“They are still looking.”
First responders rushed to an RV park near Howdy’s Restaurant in Kerrville, where the second flash flood warning was issued.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office reiterated earlier warnings for residents to move to higher ground.
“The entire county is an extremely active scene,” the office shared on Facebook.
“Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel.
“Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground.”
Source : https://www.the-sun.com/news/14629808/deadly-flooding-guadalupe-river-texas/