More than 100 people have died in flash floods in Texas, and sadly, more casualties are expected. Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls, has confirmed the deaths of 27 children and counsellors, and heavy rain threatens to flood the region on Tuesday.
Girls summer camp Camp Mystic confirms 27 children dead
“Our hearts are broken along with our families who are going through this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying constantly for them,” a statement on the camp’s website said. The statement said the search for the missing people was continuing and added: “We ask that you continue to pray, respect and protect the privacy of each of our affected families.”
Camp Mystic is a Christian camp that has welcomed the children of some of Texas’ political elite throughout its 99-year history. Former First Lady Laura Bush was a counsellor there, and the camp has been attended by the daughters of former US President Lyndon Johnson and former Texas Governor John Connally. Camp Mystic counsellor Chloe Childress also died in the flood, her secondary school confirmed on Sunday.
The number of people missing from other nearby camps has not been released, as officials said the threat of life-threatening flooding remains and crews continue to search urgently for people still missing. The water level in the Guadalupe River rose 8 metres in 45 minutes in the early hours of Friday morning after heavy rain north of San Antonio.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at least 68 people had been found dead in an area known as Hill Country. Several summer camps are located there. According to local officials, at least 10 more people have died in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties.
“No one expected this to happen”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that heavy rains continuing on Tuesday could lead to more dangerous flooding, especially in areas where the ground is already saturated with water. Local authorities have already faced questions about what flood warning systems and evacuation plans were in place in the county.
Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s top official, told reporters that “no one expected this to happen.” In the past, the county had considered using a tornado warning siren, but Kelly said the public “was shocked by the cost.”
Donald Trump signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, which is intended to unlock federal resources to help local officials. He said he would likely visit the county on Friday, a week after the deadly flooding, saying an earlier visit could interfere with search and recovery efforts.
