At least 70 have died after catastrophic flooding in Texas – as officers warn ‘wall of water’ may batter area | EUROtoday

Three days after flash floods first ravaged south-central Texas and claimed greater than 70 lives, native officers are nonetheless trying to find 10 lacking campers as one other “wall of water” heads to the realm.

Flash floods slammed Kerr County and its surrounding areas at the beginning of the vacation weekend, leaving locals, campers, and July 4th guests swept up within the catastrophic floods.

Rescue efforts had been nonetheless in full drive Sunday as emergency crews raced in opposition to the clock to seek out 11 ladies from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp alongside the Guadalupe River that was devastated by the floods.

“We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins,” Governor Greg Abbott mentioned in a Saturday night assertion.

The area is now bracing for extra heavy rainfall, probably complicating the search efforts and endangering much more folks.

There are reviews of a further “wall of water” heading towards Kerr County, Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, mentioned at a Sunday afternoon press convention. Kidd warned: “Because the ground is already saturated, any rain that falls can be perceived as life-threatening rain.”

What occurred?

The National Weather Service had predicted between 1 and three inches of rain, with some areas probably getting 5 to 7 inches. But the fact was a torrential downpour alongside the Guadalupe River late Thursday that led to sudden flash floods, with elements of Kerr County getting pummeled with 10 to fifteen inches in only a quick span.

The river surged from 8 ft to 29 ft in a matter of hours early Friday morning. Camp Mystic, which sits alongside the river, was “horrendously ravaged,” Abbott mentioned.

At least 27 folks at Camp Mystic have died because of the floods, the camp advised NBC News in an announcement.

“This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers,” the assertion learn.

The seek for 10 lacking ladies and one counselor continues. In whole, not less than 40 folks throughout Texas counties had been lacking as of Sunday afternoon, the governor mentioned, whereas dozens of others have died because of the flash floods.

Who are the victims?

The demise toll rose to 79 folks on Sunday.

Dick Eastland, the director of Camp Mystic, and Chloe Childress, an 18-year-old counselor on the camp, each misplaced their lives within the floods, in keeping with reviews.

Jonathan Eades, head of the Kinkaid School from the place Childress not too long ago graduated, advised the New York Times that she misplaced her life upholding a “selfless and fierce commitment to others.”

Several campers, not even 10 years outdated, additionally died within the floods, their households confirmed.

Julian Ryan, a 27-year-old dishwasher in Ingram, Texas, misplaced his life after water poured into his trailer house. The remainder of his household was spared. “He was the best father, and was always such a happy person who was never above helping people, no matter what it cost,” his fiancee Christinia Wilson advised the Times. “He died trying to save us.”

Jane Ragsdale, camp director and co-owner of Heart O’ the Hills, a summer season camp alongside the Guadalupe River, was killed within the floods, the camp mentioned in an announcement. “She embodied the spirit of Heart O’ the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer,” the assertion learn.

More than two dozen different victims, together with youngsters, have but to be recognized, officers mentioned Sunday.

What’s the size of the search?

Federal, state and native entities have been engaged on search and rescue efforts for a 3rd day.

On Saturday, officers mentioned greater than 850 folks had been rescued or evacuated. The Texas Military Department has carried out 525 rescues and evacuations, each by air and by floor, an official mentioned at a Sunday afternoon press convention. The Coast Guard has saved or assisted in saving 223 lives, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem mentioned Saturday.

As of Sunday, there are 230 Texas Military Department personnel engaged on the response. They are working eight helicopters in addition to some high-profile navy automobiles to assist evacuate folks from high-water areas, officers mentioned.

The personnel are nonetheless in Kerrville and have expanded their operations to incorporate San Saba and Burnet. There are additionally some habits well being officers and chaplains working in these areas.

In Kerr County alone, there have been 400 first responders engaged on Sunday, with greater than 100 air, water, and floor automobiles conducting search and rescue efforts, the sheriff’s workplace mentioned.

What has the political response been?

President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas on Sunday, offering federal sources to the ravaged space, he mentioned in an announcement Sunday morning.

“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State,” the president wrote. “Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”

Former President George W. Bush, who served because the forty sixth governor of Texas, provided his condolences in an announcement shared to social media on Sunday.

“On at the present time of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who’re hurting. We are heartbroken by the lack of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who’ve misplaced their valuable youngsters are going through a grief no dad and mom ought to ever know,” the previous president mentioned.

“We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will,” the assertion continued.

Former President Barack Obama additionally mentioned he was praying for these affected by the floods, calling the catastrophe “heartbreaking.”

“The flash flooding in Central Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle and I are praying for everyone who has lost a loved one or is waiting for news — especially the parents. And we’re grateful to the first responders and rescue teams working around the clock to help,” he wrote.