Texas floods resulted in the deaths of 24 individuals and the disappearance of over 20 girls. KERRVILLE, Texas—
Search teams conducted boat and helicopter rescues in fast-moving floodwaters, leaving 24 people deceased and many more unaccounted for in the Texas Hill Country after months of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours. Among the unaccounted for were over 20 girls attending a summer camp.
Social media was inundated with desperate appeals from loved ones who were in search of any information regarding individuals who were trapped in the flood zone. The Guadalupe River experienced flash inundation as a result of the rain that fell in central Kerr County overnight, with a minimum of 10 inches. Larry Leitha, the Sheriff of Kerr County, announced at a news conference on Friday evening that 24 individuals had been slain.
According to authorities, 237 individuals have been rescued thus far, with 167 of them being evacuated via helicopter. Rescue operations were ongoing for an unspecified total number of missing, and officials warned that the mortality toll could fluctuate. The situation was still in the process of developing. The identification of the deceased was still being conducted by the authorities. Plea for Information Following a Flash Flood Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the
National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office, reported that a river gauge at Hunt recorded a 22-foot surge in approximately two hours. The gauge malfunctioned after registering a level of 29 and a half feet. Fogarty stated, “The water is moving so rapidly that you will not be able to appreciate the severity of the situation until it reaches you.” Individuals posted photographs of their loved ones and requested assistance in locating them on the Kerr County sheriff’s office Facebook page.
“At least 400 individuals were on the ground assisting in the response,” Patrick stated. Some individuals were rescued from trees, and nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones were employed. Patrick stated that approximately 23 of the approximately 750 females who were attending Camp Mystic were among those who were unaccounted for. He stated that the search personnel were doing “everything possible” to locate all individuals.
The ‘Pitch Black Wall of Death’ Erin Burgess was awakened by thunder and rain at 3:30 a.m. in Ingram. She stated that water began to flow into her residence, which was situated directly across from the river, within 20 minutes. She recounted an agonizing hour spent clinging to a tree and waiting for the water to recede sufficiently so that they could ascend the incline to a neighbor’s residence.
“My boyfriend and my dog floated away, while my son and I clung to a tree.” “He was temporarily disoriented; however, we eventually located him,” she stated. Burgess expressed her gratitude for her 19-year-old son’s height, stating, “He is over six feet tall.” I was only able to survive by clinging to him. Matthew Stone, 44, of Kerrville, reported that police began pounding on doors at 5:30 a.m., but he had not received any notification on his phone.
“We did not receive an emergency alert.” Stone stated, “There was nothing.” Then, “a dark, pitch-black wall of death.” According to Stone, the authorities employed his paddle boat to assist in the rescue of a neighbor. He and the rescuers believed they heard someone shouting “help!” from the water, but they were unable to see anyone, he stated. “I was terrified to death.
” In Ingram, a reunification center was established, and families wept and applauded as their loved ones exited vehicles that were filled with evacuees. An elderly woman who was incapable of ascending a staircase was being transported by two soldiers. A small white dog was grasped by a woman in a soiled T-shirt and shorts who stood behind her. Subsequently, a young girl, who was dressed in a white “Camp Mystic”
T-shirt and white hosiery, was seen standing in a puddle, weeping in her mother’s arms. Barry Adelman, 54, stated that the water in his three-story residence had forced all occupants, including his 94-year-old grandmother and nine-year-old grandson, into the attic. The water initially entered the attic through the floor before ultimately dissipating. “I was appalled,” he declared.
“I was compelled to confront my grandson and assure him that everything would be alright, but internally, I was terrified.” It was unknown that this type of inundation would occur. The forecast had anticipated rainfall, and a flood watch was upgraded to a warning overnight for a minimum of 30,000 individuals. However, Fogarty stated that the totals in certain locations exceeded the anticipated amount.
Patrick observed that a vast expanse of land was susceptible to inundation and torrential rainfall. Patrick stated, “We have taken all necessary precautions to notify them that there is a possibility of heavy rainfall, but we are uncertain as to its exact location.” “Clearly, the storm began to intensify as soon as the sun set last night, and we entered the early morning hours.
” Judge Rob Kelly, Kerr County’s primary elected official, was asked about the method by which individuals were informed in order to evacuate to safety. He responded, “We do not have a warning system.” Kelly responded to reporters’ inquiries regarding the absence of additional precautionary measures: “Be assured, no one anticipated the severity of this flood.” “Floods occur frequently,”
he continued. “This is the most perilous river valley in the United States.” An area that is frequently visited by tourists is susceptible to flooding. According to Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the region is referred to as “flash flood alley” due to the thin layer of soil that covers the hills.
The foundation was soliciting donations to assist nonprofit organizations that were responding to the calamity. Dickson stated, “Water does not penetrate the soil during rainfall.” “It accelerates as it descends the slope.” According to Dickson, the Hill Country economy is highly dependent on the river tourism industry.
He stated that children from all over the country attend well-known, century-old summer programs. Numerous river residences and cabins are available for rent between Hunt and Ingram. Dickson stated, “It is generally a very tranquil river with incredibly beautiful, clear blue water that has captivated people for generations.”
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