Flash flood in Texas: At least 24 dead and more missing
At least 24 people have died following a flash flood in the US state of Texas. The search for more people missing in the floods is currently ongoing. Among them are children from a summer camp.
According to authorities, at least 24 people have died in floods in Texas in the southern United States, and more are missing. Following the "extremely devastating and deadly" floods, efforts are currently underway to identify the deceased, Kerr County Executive Rob Kelly said on Friday. Among the missing are children who had attended a summer camp, although their number is unclear.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick read a statement from Camp Mystic, which was attended by about 700 children. It said there had been flooding of "catastrophic proportions" and told parents that if they hadn't been notified, their child was safe. He confirmed that 20 children were still missing.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the water level of the Guadalupe River in the region rose from two to nine meters within a few hours overnight into Friday as a result of rainfall. The weather service urged residents near the river to immediately seek higher ground.
County Commissioner Kelly further stated that while flash floods like this are common in the area, which is considered the "most dangerous river valley in the United States," the current flooding was unexpected. Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged the support of "all available forces."
In Texas, at least ten people were killed in a flash flood in San Antonio, southeast of Kerr, in mid-June.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
