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Historic Floods Devastate Texas Hill Country, Death Toll Rises to 43

Texas Communities Reeling After Devastating Floods

Historic flooding has wreaked havoc in Texas Hill Country, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 43 lives, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. The disaster, which struck early Friday morning, claimed the lives of 28 adults and 15 children, with the identities of several victims still pending confirmation.

In the wake of the flooding, a Christian summer camp by the Guadalupe River is among the hardest hit, with 27 girls reported missing. Authorities are concerned that some campers may be stranded without a way to call for help.

State and Federal Response

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster in the affected counties and has mobilized the Texas National Guard and state troopers for a comprehensive search and rescue mission. The governor has also sought federal assistance to bolster the ongoing efforts.

W. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the focus remains on finding survivors. “They’re looking for live people right now and doing everything they can to continue to search as fast as possible,” Kidd remarked in a press conference.

Rescue Operations

Search and rescue teams have successfully rescued over 850 individuals, many airlifted by helicopters. Despite these efforts, several areas remain without power and internet access, hampering communication and coordination.

Sheriff Leitha addressed the community’s resilience, stating, “We will not stop until every single person is found.” While the exact timeline for recovery is uncertain, the resolve to locate every missing person remains steadfast.

Impact on the Community

The flooding has profoundly affected local communities, with hundreds gathering at a reunification center in Kerrville for updates on their loved ones. Some parents have reunited with their children, while others, like Tanya Powell, await news of their missing family members.

At Camp Mystic, a long-standing girls’ summer camp, Angela Trafton’s granddaughter survived the ordeal, though the emotional toll remains significant. “We’re so grateful,” Trafton expressed, “This is her seventh year [as a camper]. I don’t know that she’ll ever come back now.”

Environmental and Climatic Factors

The National Weather Service has warned of continued flood risks due to excessive rainfall in the region. Meteorologist Sarah Spivey explained that the “rain bomb” is characteristic of the region’s climate, particularly following prolonged droughts. “Our droughts tend to end with these rain bombs in the summer months,” Spivey noted.

Climate change is exacerbating such extreme weather events, with increased atmospheric moisture leading to more intense rainfall. According to the National Climate Assessment, Texas has seen a 20% increase in rain from its heaviest storms since the late 1950s.

Future Implications

Judge Rob Kelly has declared a state of disaster in Kerr County, acknowledging the extensive damage to both public infrastructure and private property. As floodwaters slowly recede, the full scope of the devastation and the path to recovery are yet to be determined.

This article was originally written by www.npr.org

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