Texas Floods: Death Toll Reaches 50 with Dozens Still Missing

At least 50 people, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead following flash floods in central Texas. The casualty toll is expected to rise as rescuers search for missing campers, vacationers, and residents. A sudden storm dumped up to 38cm of rain around the Guadalupe River, leading to more than 850 rescues. Among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic summer camp. The disaster unfolded rapidly on July 4, with rivers rising to unexpected levels. Multiple victims were found in different counties, bringing the death toll to 50. The US National Weather Service reported that the flash flood emergency has largely ended for Kerr County. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick mentioned that an unknown number of visitors were in the area for an Independence Day celebration. Camp Mystic, a Christian girls camp, was heavily impacted, with buildings destroyed and personal belongings scattered. Other areas downstream also suffered significant damage, with cars swept away and roads blocked.

Videos online showed the extent of the devastation, with rescuers working to save residents. US President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott expressed condolences and support for those affected. Governor Abbott requested a disaster declaration to unlock federal aid. The Trump administration faced criticism for the lack of accurate predictions and staffing cuts in weather agencies. Former NOAA director Rick Spinrad warned that such cuts could lead to more lives lost in future disasters.