Death Toll Rises to 70 in Central Texas Floods, Search for Missing Campers Continues
The death toll from severe flooding in central Texas has reached nearly 70, with 11 campers and a counselor still unaccounted for as rescue efforts persist.
Multiple girls rescued from Texas summer camp after fatal flash floods
Washington Examiner
Texas flash flood results multiple missing and fatalities
Washington Examiner
Overview
- The death toll from Texas flooding has increased to nearly 70, with 59 fatalities reported in Kerr County, including 38 adults and 21 children.
- 11 campers and a camp counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing as search and rescue operations continue amid challenging conditions.
- Over 850 individuals have been rescued in the first 36 hours following the floods, with authorities committed to finding all missing persons.
- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared a day of prayer and vowed to continue search efforts until every individual is recovered from the floods.
- Flash flood watches remain in effect as additional rain falls in central Texas, raising concerns about further flooding and complicating rescue operations.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Texas floods with a focus on the human impact, emphasizing the ongoing search for missing individuals and the rising death toll. They convey urgency and resilience in rescue efforts while subtly critiquing preparedness and response measures, reflecting a blend of empathy and accountability in their reporting.
The Guadalupe River at Hunt in Kerr County reached its second-highest level on record, according to the National Weather Service.
The National Weather Service issued multiple flash flood warnings prior to the flooding disaster.
At least 43 people were killed in Kerr County due to destructive fast-moving waters that began before sunrise Friday in the Texas Hill Country, with an unknown number of people still missing.
The National Weather Service issued flash flood warnings followed by flash flood emergencies on Friday morning, signaling imminent danger.
The Guadalupe River has flooded over a dozen times since 1978, as reported by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Heavy rain fell at a rate of 3-4 inches per hour on July 4, with an additional 1-2 inches expected before the rain stops in the afternoon.
The director of Heart O' the Hills Camp, Jane Ragsdale, was killed in the flooding.
Hundreds of people are waiting at a reunification center for news about their relatives.
A flood warning was issued overnight for at least 30,000 people due to heavy rain forecasted for the weekend.
The Guadalupe River near Comfort, Texas, rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, causing destructive flooding.
Authorities are committed to continuing the search until every person is located.
Flash flood watches remained in effect as more rain fell in central Texas on Sunday.
Authorities are facing scrutiny for not alerting residents and summer camps sooner and for potentially inadequate preparations.
Over 850 people were rescued from the flooding in Texas, according to Governor Greg Abbott.
Camp Mystic assured parents that if they have not been contacted directly, their child is safe and accounted for.
A total of 237 people have been rescued or evacuated by authorities.
11 campers and a camp counselor remain unaccounted for following severe flooding in central Texas.
The death toll from flash floods in Kerr County rose to nearly 70 as searchers discovered more bodies on Sunday.
59 people, including 38 adults and 21 children, were confirmed dead in Kerr County.
Rescuers faced challenging conditions including broken trees, overturned cars, and muck-filled debris while searching for survivors.
Articles (62)
Center (22)
"…The outlook became more bleak as searchers continued to look for the missing campers and camp counselor amid the devastation caused by the floods."
Chicago Tribune"…Local officials have insisted that no one saw the flood potential coming and have defended their actions."
Fortune"…The outlook became more bleak as searchers continued to look for the missing campers and camp counselor amid the devastation caused by the floods."
Associated Press·8d·"…A desperate search for flood victims in Texas intensified Sunday after the Guadalupe River gushed over its banks in darkness days earlier, swallowing homes and vehicles and leaving a staggering toll of destruction."
USA TODAY·8d·"…Texas officials have come under intensifying scrutiny over preparations and why residents and youth summer camps that are dotted along the river were not alerted sooner or told to evacuate."
ABC News·8d·"…As the floodwaters began to recede from Camp Mystic, a torrent of grief remained as the identities of some of the campers who died in the flash floods began to emerge on Saturday."
ABC News·8d·"…The raging river claimed at least 43 lives, officials said on July 5, and rescuers were still searching for missing children."
USA TODAY·9d·"…The camp was completely destroyed, and at least 43 people were dead, including 15 children."
BBC News·9d·"…Local officials have insisted that no one saw the flood potential coming and have defended their actions."
Associated Press·9d·"…A frantic search for survivors is under way in central Texas after flash floods killed at least 32 people, including 14 children."
BBC News·9d·"…The storm killed at least 32 people, including 14 children."
Fortune"…A community remains in disarray, with vehicles overturned, buildings unrecognizable and roads undrivable."
USA TODAY·9d·"…At least 24 people have died after heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of central Texas on Friday."
Business Insider"…The flooding rains rapidly overwhelmed the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday, killing at least 24 people and prompting a frantic and ongoing rescue effort."
USA TODAY·9d·"…This has been a very devastating and deadly flood."
NPR·9d·"…The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn Friday washed out homes and swept away vehicles."
Associated Press·9d·"…The monstrous, swift-moving flood that swept through the Hill Country of west-central Texas Friday, killing at least 13 and leaving nearly two dozen missing, was a flash flood, the nation’s top storm-related killer."
Associated Press·10d·"…Now for many campers and counselors, their happy place has turned into a horror story."
Associated Press·10d·"…Months worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours on Texas Hill Country, killing at least 13 people and leaving more than 20 girls attending a summer camp unaccounted for Friday as search teams conducted boat and helicopter rescues in the fast-moving flood water."
Fortune"…Thirteen people are dead and more than 20 people unaccounted for after heavy rain lashed Texas, leading to "catastrophic" flooding."
ABC News·10d·"…At least 13 fatalities were reported Friday as devastating floods slammed Texas' Hill Country with water rescues taking place along the Guadalupe River, officials said."
CBS News·10d·"…A "catastrophic" and deadly flooding emergency was unfolding in Texas on the Fourth of July as heavy rains caused the Guadalupe River to rapidly rise."
USA TODAY·10d·FAQ
Authorities have deployed up to 500 people on the ground, along with 14 state helicopters and 12 drones, as part of ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing campers.
All power, Wi-Fi, and water have been shut off at Camp Mystic following catastrophic flooding, significantly hindering rescue and communication efforts.
Texas Game Wardens reached Camp Mystic and have begun evacuating campers, but the fate of many unaccounted individuals remains unknown at this time.
Flash flood watches remain in effect as additional rain falls in central Texas, complicating rescue operations and raising concerns about further flooding.
Families of missing children have been individually contacted, and authorities have reassured them of ongoing search efforts. Social media is being used by families to share information and raise awareness.
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