The death toll from the devastating floods in central Texas has risen to 24, with more than 20 young campers still unaccounted for, as search efforts continue in the affected areas. Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that state and local officials are maintaining a “search and rescue posture” to locate those missing.
Governor Abbott emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “They will continue in the darkness of night. They will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be nonstop, seeking to find everybody who is unaccounted for.” First responder helicopters equipped with infrared technology are being deployed overnight to assist in the efforts.
Federal Support and Local Efforts
President Donald Trump described the flooding as “terrible” and assured that federal aid would be forthcoming. “It’s shocking. They don’t know the answer yet as to how many people, but it looks like some young people have died,” Trump remarked while traveling to his New Jersey golf club. He confirmed that the federal government is coordinating with Governor Abbott to provide necessary support.
In Kerr County, Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that at least 24 people have died due to the severe flooding. The focus remains on Camp Mystic, where between 23 and 25 campers are still missing. Emergency services, including 107 game wardens and an aviation group, have been actively working to access the camp and rescue those trapped by the floodwaters.
Rescue Operations and Community Impact
Authorities have been in communication with 18 camps along the Guadalupe River, with Camp Mystic being the only location with unaccounted individuals as of Friday evening. “The far majority of those camps have their campers and have already contacted their families and working to reunite those families together,” stated Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.
More than 200 people have been rescued across Kerr County, with ongoing emergency response efforts. Major General Thomas M. Suelzer noted, “As of a few hours ago, we had rescued or evacuated 237 people and 167 of those were by helicopter. So we are having a very good helicopter response when the weather allows.” Additional helicopters are en route to support the community, and personnel will be deployed to manage evacuee shelters and track those located.
Disaster Declaration and Historical Context
In response to the catastrophe, Governor Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for several of the hardest-hit counties, including Bandera, Comal, and Kerr. The declaration ensures that these areas will have access to all necessary resources from the state of Texas. “We’ll put in everything we have in the entire state,” Abbott asserted.
The flooding in Texas is reminiscent of past natural disasters that have tested the state’s resilience. Experts point to the importance of robust infrastructure and emergency preparedness in mitigating the impact of such events. The state’s response strategy will likely be scrutinized in the coming weeks as efforts continue to locate the missing and support affected communities.
Looking Ahead
As the search and rescue operations progress, the focus remains on reuniting families and providing aid to those impacted by the floods. The state’s commitment to leveraging all available resources underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to overcome the challenges posed by the natural disaster.
The coming days will be critical in assessing the full extent of the damage and implementing recovery plans. The collaboration between state and federal agencies highlights the importance of coordinated efforts in addressing the aftermath of such catastrophic events.
