A DESPERATE search is underway for “up to 25” young girls who are missing after flash floods killed at least 24 in Texas.
The school-age girls were at a summer camp when it was swamped by waters which rose by 26ft in just 45 minutes, creating an “extraordinary catastrophe”.
X/amandahtvLainey Landry, 9, is missing from Camp Mystic[/caption]
Young pals Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner were in the same camp cabin and are both missingX/Keenan Willard
At least 24 people are dead after flashing flooding hit the Guadalupe River in Texas
The huge damage caused by the flooding saw damaged vehicles and debris scatter the banks of the river
A third of a year’s worth of rain fell in a few hours, completely overwhelming the Guadalupe River and submerging large parts of Kerry County in south-central Texas.
Homes, RVs and camps on the river were washed away, with children amongst the two dozen dead and 237 who had to be rescued.
Officials said late on Friday that 23-25 girls were still missing from Camp Mystic – an all-girls summer camp on the river – with a desperate search underway that would push through the night.
There is no estimate yet for the total number of missing people.
The camp said on Friday morning that the parents of missing children had been notified, but that most of the 750 kids were safe.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said on Friday afternoon of the missing girls: “That does not mean they’ve been lost. They could be in a tree or out of communication.”
Families have confirmed to local media that among the missing girls are 9-year-old Laiey Landry, friends Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, Renee Smajstrla from the same cabin
The authorities have drafted in helicopters, specialised swimmers, drones and military vehicles in the hope of finding the girls alive.
Addressing the floods, President Trump said: “It’s terrible, the floods. It’s shocking.”
Asked if Texas would received federal aid, he said: “Oh yeah, sure, we’ll take care of it. We’re working with the governor.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he was signing a “disaster declaration” to boost resources in counties in the region.
Footage shared on social media showed what appeared to be a camp cabin travelling 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 violent floods swept away homes, entire RV parks and cars across the region, which was pummelled with one-third of a year’s worth of rain over the course of just a few short hours.
Kellyanne Lytal is also missingX/Alex Bregman
TikTok/take200000000What appears to be a summer camp cabin floating in the flash floods from Guadalupe River[/caption]
GettyKerrville resident Leighton Sterling watches flood waters along the Guadalupe River[/caption]
Kerr County residents near the river were told to urgently evacuate the region 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.
Freeman Martin, director of the state’s public safety department, told the evening conference: “We had a hard time getting in this morning with the weather the way it was.
“As the day went on, it picked up and we were able to rescue more and recover more, that will continue tomorrow,” Martin said, calling the disaster a “mass casualty event.”
Emergency workers at the waters edge after flooding devastated South Central Texas
First responders scan the banks of the Guadalupe River for individuals swept away by flooding
APA Texas DPS helicopter conducts ariel searches along the Guadalupe River[/caption]
A resident of Kerrville, Texas, watches the rising waters of the Guadalupe Rivergetty
US media reported that trucks had arrived at Camp Mystic to transport stranded people.
“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!”
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.”
The Kerr County Sheriff’s statement
“This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified.
“Our Office is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues. The entire county is an extremely active scene.
“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.“
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