Central Texas Races Against Time Amidst Devastating Flash Floods
In the aftermath of a catastrophic flash flood that struck Central Texas over the July Fourth holiday weekend, rescue operations are in full swing as officials strive to locate survivors. The disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 78 people, with many more still missing, including numerous children.
Efforts to save lives have seen more than 850 individuals rescued, many airlifted by helicopters. Kerr County has been hit hardest, accounting for 68 of the fatalities, including 40 adults and 28 children, as confirmed by Sheriff Larry L. Leitha. Additionally, 10 further deaths have been reported in neighboring counties.
Among those missing are 10 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located beside the Guadalupe River, compounding the urgency of the search.
Vast Response Efforts
W. Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, expressed the ongoing commitment to the search operations, driven by compassion for the affected families. “We’re doing everything we can to find their missing loved ones,” Kidd stated. More than 400 first responders from over 20 agencies have been deployed in Kerr County alone, supported by 100 vehicles and numerous K-9 units, as detailed by the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office. The Texas Division of Emergency Management has mobilized over 1,000 personnel for this critical mission.
The search area has expanded to include San Saba and Burnet counties, which have also experienced severe flooding. Despite challenges like heat, hazardous wildlife, and blocked roads, debris removal efforts continue to improve. Authorities have also cautioned residents against flying drones in the affected areas, as this interferes with the search operations.
Presidential Response
President Donald Trump has declared a state of emergency for Kerr County, labeling the flooding as “horrible” and indicating a potential visit to the region. He remarked, “So we say God bless all of the people that have gone through so much and God bless – God bless the state of Texas, it’s an incredible place.” When queried about FEMA, Trump mentioned that discussions regarding the agency’s future would occur later.
Weather Alerts and Precautions
The National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for Central Kerr County, effective until 7:30 p.m., with parts of the Hill Country remaining under a watch until 7 p.m. The saturated ground poses a continued risk even with minimal rainfall, as noted by Texas Department of Public Safety Director Col. Freeman F. Martin.
Residents received emergency alerts urging them to move to higher ground due to high confidence in river flooding at North Fork. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the need for caution over the next 24-48 hours, warning against driving on flooded roads. “You may think you can drive through it, only to find out when you’re in there that it’s too late and that you’re getting swept away,” Abbott warned. The familiar adage “turn around, don’t drown” serves as a crucial reminder of the dangers posed by floodwaters.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
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