Texas Floods Leave Dozens Dead and Missing, Children Among the Missing

Local authorities in Texas have reported multiple fatalities due to severe flooding that hit the southern region. According to the sheriff’s office of Kerr County, Texas, 13 people have lost their lives, with more than 20 children still missing after being swept away by floodwaters during a camping trip. The death toll remains unclear, explained Rob Kelley, head of local authorities in Kerr County, Central Texas, during a press briefing. He described the floods as ‘very destructive and deadly,’ caused by heavy rainfall that suddenly raised water levels. In just a few hours, the Llano River surged from approximately 500 cubic feet per second to over 109,000 cubic feet per second by 5 p.m., according to meteorological reports. Regarding the missing children attending a summer camp in the county, Kelley said: ‘We know there are some reported missing, but we’re not certain about the exact number.’ He emphasized that while the area is accustomed to flash flooding, especially along the Guadalupe River — which he called ‘the most dangerous river valley in the United States’ — no one expected such a catastrophic event. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Guadalupe River rose from 2 meters to over 9 meters overnight due to torrential rains. Authorities issued flash flood warnings for parts of central and south-central Texas, urging residents to avoid travel and those living near the Guadalupe River to relocate to higher ground. Earlier this June, at least ten people died due to similar flooding in San Antonio, South Texas, following severe downpours.