Sudden Texas flood leaves 24 dead, 20 children missing

At least 24 people have lost their lives in a sudden flood that struck the south-central region of Texas. Local authorities reported that the flood was triggered by heavy seasonal rain and thunderstorms on Friday morning. According to BBC and The Guardian, approximately 20 girls who were staying at a summer camp in the affected area remain missing.

The flood began when the water level of the Guadalupe River rose dangerously fast. Texas Governor Dan Patrick said the river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Calling the flood "devastating," he said it came so quickly that there was no time to issue an early warning. Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville in Kerr County, said, “The flood hit suddenly before dawn, frightening local residents.”

Rescue operations are ongoing in the affected parts of Kerr County in the Texas Hill Country. Authorities said 237 people have already been moved to safety. Fourteen helicopters and hundreds of emergency workers are searching for the missing children. The summer camp built near the river has been completely damaged. The Texas Weather Department has issued an emergency alert due to the possibility of more rain.

Local Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the death of 24 people. He said, “Many people are still missing and rescue efforts are ongoing. It is initially believed that the children at the riverside camp were caught in the rising water. A large number of deaths cannot be ruled out.”