A severe storm in central Texas has led to at least 32 fatalities, prompting a desperate search for missing campers and residents in the affected areas.
**Tragedy Strikes Texas: Search Intensifies After Floods Claim 32 Lives, Including 14 Children**
**Tragedy Strikes Texas: Search Intensifies After Floods Claim 32 Lives, Including 14 Children**
Authorities scramble to locate missing individuals in aftermath of devastating flash floods.
The communities in central Texas are reeling after flash floods struck swiftly, resulting in 32 confirmed deaths, among them 14 children. The calamity unfolded overnight when the Guadalupe River surged by more than 25 feet within an hour, catching many off guard as they slept. The local emergency response has prioritized searching for 27 children reported missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp situated along the riverbanks.
In a press conference, Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the intent to locate "every single person who's been a victim of this event," reinforcing that this is a focused search and rescue mission rather than a recovery operation. As of now, rescuers are thorough in combing through the Guadalupe River area, where numerous individuals may have been swept away by the torrent.
The tragedy particularly struck the camp, filled with young girls, where many campers were enjoying the 4th of July holiday, leading to their unforeseen peril. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pointed out that a significant number of those missing are children under 12 years old. Parents have been notified by the camp about the status of their children, with many holding onto hope amid the distressing updates.
President Donald Trump has expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, affirming federal support in coordination with local authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accompanying Governor Abbott, announced the deployment of the Coast Guard to assist in the ongoing search efforts.
The flooding's intensity has extended to other nearby regions, with authorities in Travis County reporting additional fatalities and multiple individuals unaccounted for. Weather forecasts suggest further rain this weekend, with the National Weather Service estimating an additional 2 to 5 inches of rainfall, which could exacerbate the current crisis. The danger persists as the community comes together to navigate this heartbreaking humanitarian emergency.
In a press conference, Governor Greg Abbott emphasized the intent to locate "every single person who's been a victim of this event," reinforcing that this is a focused search and rescue mission rather than a recovery operation. As of now, rescuers are thorough in combing through the Guadalupe River area, where numerous individuals may have been swept away by the torrent.
The tragedy particularly struck the camp, filled with young girls, where many campers were enjoying the 4th of July holiday, leading to their unforeseen peril. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick pointed out that a significant number of those missing are children under 12 years old. Parents have been notified by the camp about the status of their children, with many holding onto hope amid the distressing updates.
President Donald Trump has expressed his sorrow over the loss of life, affirming federal support in coordination with local authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, accompanying Governor Abbott, announced the deployment of the Coast Guard to assist in the ongoing search efforts.
The flooding's intensity has extended to other nearby regions, with authorities in Travis County reporting additional fatalities and multiple individuals unaccounted for. Weather forecasts suggest further rain this weekend, with the National Weather Service estimating an additional 2 to 5 inches of rainfall, which could exacerbate the current crisis. The danger persists as the community comes together to navigate this heartbreaking humanitarian emergency.
