Death toll in central Texas flash floods rises to 82 as sheriff says 10 campers remain missing
Rescuers maneuvering through challenging terrain, high waters and snakes including water moccasins continued their desperate search for the missing, including 10 girls and a counselor from the camp. For the first time since the storms began pounding Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state and more could be missing.
In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, searchers have found the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said in the afternoon.
He pledged to keep searching in that Hill Country region until 'everybody is found" from Friday's flash floods.
Four deaths also were reported in Travis County, three in Burnet and 1 in Kendall.
Rescuers dealt with broken trees, overturned cars and muck-filled debris in the difficult task to find survivors. Authorities still have not said how many people were missing beyond the 11 children and a camp counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp.
Families were allowed to look around the camp Sunday morning while nearby crews operating heavy equipment pulled tree trunks and tangled branches out of the water as they searched along a riverbank. Thunder rumbled from a new storm.
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Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE Ministry sends condolences and solidarity to U.S. after Texas flooding
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed deep condolences and firm solidarity with the United States following the catastrophic flash floods that struck the state of Texas, claiming dozens of lives and leaving widespread devastation in their wake. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In an official statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) conveyed 'sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the people and government of the United States.' The Ministry highlighted its support in light of the significant loss of life, several people reported missing, and the widespread destruction caused by the extreme weather. Earlier, the UAE Embassy in Washington, D.C., also issued a message of support. In a public statement, the embassy offered its assistance to 'those responding to the heartbreaking destruction' and expressed condolences for the 'tragic loss of life.' Disaster Unfolds in Texas: Rising Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts As of Sunday, July 6, 2025, the death toll from the severe flooding in Texas had climbed to at least 78, according to updated figures. Tragically, the victims include at least 28 children. The disaster prompted widespread evacuations, while search efforts continued into their third day, especially focused on girls missing from a summer camp. Earlier reports on June 6, 2025, put the confirmed death toll at 69, including 21 children, as cited by Reuters. That number has since increased as emergency teams recover more bodies and the extent of the destruction becomes clearer. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, said that the worst-hit area was Kerr County, where 59 deaths were recorded. 'Another 10 people died elsewhere in Texas,' he stated, adding that 41 individuals remained missing at the time. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now These numbers may continue to rise as authorities assess the full impact of the flooding. Federal Response: Major Disaster Declared In response to the emergency, U.S. President Donald Trump officially declared a 'major disaster' for the state of Texas on July 6, invoking the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The declaration enables the deployment of federal assistance to bolster local recovery efforts and provide aid to affected communities. This designation activates a wide range of federal resources, including support from FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), and opens up funding for temporary housing, home repairs, low-cost loans, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover. An International Message of Compassion The UAE's statements of solidarity reflect the broader international response to the disaster. By publicly expressing condolences and pledging support for recovery and response teams, the UAE has joined other global leaders in extending compassion to those affected. The messages from both MoFA and the UAE Embassy in the U.S. underscore the importance of global unity in times of crisis. While Texas continues to battle against the aftermath of the floods, such gestures serve as reminders of shared humanity and the importance of international cooperation during disasters of this scale.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Texas flood disaster: Did authorities issue any warning? All you need to know
Texas floods (Image credits :AP) Deadly flash floods have devastated parts of Texas, leaving at least 82 people dead and many still missing. Among those unaccounted for are 10 children and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp along the Guadalupe River. Rescue operations intensified on Sunday as emergency teams raced against time to locate survivors. The urgency is growing, with forecasters warning of further heavy rainfall that could trigger more flash flooding in the already ravaged region. As emergency efforts continue, here are some key questions and answers about the disaster and ongoing relief operations: Was there any warning? Yes, though the true scale of the flooding caught many by surprise, according to USA Today, state emergency management officials warned as early as July 2 that west and central Texas faced heavy rains and flash flood threats, citing National Weather Service forecasts ahead of the holiday weekend. By July 3, a flood watch was issued for eight counties, including Kerr, forecasting 1–3 inches of rain, with isolated spots possibly getting up to 7 inches. Still, there were no forecasts of catastrophic flooding. At 4.03 am on July 4, the NWS issued a flash flood emergency for south-central Kerr County, including the town of Hunt, calling it a 'particularly dangerous situation' and urging people to 'seek higher ground now.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Are rescue operations still underway? Emergency crews have been working tirelessly, navigating swollen rivers and debris-strewn terrain to locate and rescue those stranded. By Sunday, more than 850 people had been brought to safety, though many are still unaccounted for. Among the responders, US coast guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan stood out, saving 165 people during a single mission. Homeland security secretary Kristi Noem assured federal support, with coast guard aircraft continuing operations after dark. How severe was the flooding? Is it over? On July 4, the Guadalupe River near Kerrville rose from under 2 feet to more than 34 feet in just over an hour — a dramatic and deadly surge. By Sunday, forecasters warned of additional rain and the risk of more flooding, with conditions likely to worsen. Which areas were worst affected? Several cities across central Texas, especially between San Antonio and Austin, were battered by the downpour over the Independence Day weekend. Rainfall totals in some locations included: Liberty Hill – 20.6 inches Lakeway – 13.5 inches Kerrville – 11.9 inches Leander – 10.5 inches Brady, TX and parts of San Antonio also experienced flooding. What's the death toll now? As of Sunday evening, at least 82 people have been confirmed dead. In Kerr County alone — the hardest-hit area, 40 adults and 28 children have been found, reported USA Today quoting sheriff Larry Leitha. How can one help? Multiple organizations are accepting donations and offering aid, such as Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Kerr County Relief Fund and GoFundMe (hosting verified fundraisers for victims). Austin Pets Alive! has taken in over 50 displaced animals and is organizing a volunteer search group to find pets along the river. The group is also collecting donations to support pet recovery and cremation services for families that lost animals. The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Kerrville is accepting donations of nonperishable food, hygiene items, diapers, and other essentials. Updates are being shared regularly on the center's Instagram page.
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
Texas flash floods: What happened at a girls' summer camp where 11 are still missing
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