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Texas flash flooding: 21 children among at least 69 killed; children at summer camp still missing

Texas flash flooding: 21 children among at least 69 killed; children at summer camp still missing

Sky News4 days ago
Trump signs 'major disaster declaration' for Kerr County
An update is now coming from Travis County, where four people have been killed in the flooding.
Some areas received over a foot of rainfall in a matter of hours.
In some cases, water rose faster than 911 responders could reach people, Travis County officials say.
At the same time, President Donald Trump confirms he has signed a "major disaster declaration" for nearby Kerr County.
Number dead in flash floods is 69
Officials have released the latest death toll, speaking to the media at a press conference.
At least 59 people have died in Kerr County - 38 are adults, and 21 are children.
At Camp Mystic, 11 children and one camp counsellor are still missing, Sheriff Larry Leitha says.
"We extend our sincerest condolences and prayers to every single family affected by this tragedy, and we continue to work around the clock to reunite these families," he adds.
A further ten have been confirmed dead in other Texas counties, taking the total to 69.
Woman found dead 'several blocks' from her flooded car
A woman has been found dead "several blocks" from her flooded car, a local police force has confirmed.
The latest death was reported in San Angelo, a city in West Texas some 150 miles away from Kerrville.
Tanya Burwick, 62, was last seen driving in an area with rising floodwaters. Her vehicle was later found, submerged beneath the water.
"Upon confirming that the vehicle was unoccupied, our team immediately expanded the search into the surrounding area," San Angelo police said in a statement.
Ms Burwick's body was later found several blocks away.
"Our hearts are heavy as we extend our deepest condolences to Ms. Burwick's family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," the force said.
"The San Angelo Police Department stands with the entire community in mourning this tragic loss."
Twenty-eight adults and 15 children have died in Kerr County, four people are confirmed dead in Travis County and one person is dead in Kendall County, officials said.
Pope Leo sends prays to Texas families
Pope Leo has expressed "sincere condolences" to those who have lost loved ones in the flooding.
British staff working at Camp Mystic 'safe and accounted for'
British staff working at Camp Mystic are all safe and accounted for, following the devastating floods that ripped through the campsite in the early hours of 4 July.
Rescue crews continue to search for 27 missing children who were at the camp near the Guadalupe River.
Mystic was seeking to recruit 12 international staff via Camp America, but it is not yet known how many Brits took up the roles.
But those who were there are safe, the organisation has confirmed.
In a statement, Camp America confirmed to Sky News it did have participants affected by the flash floods.
"Camp America participants that were at the camp have all been accounted for and are safe in area hotels," it said.
"Camp America emergency support arrived in Kerrville on Friday night, with further staff arriving today, meeting with our participants throughout the weekend to provide support and assistance.
"The whole camping world is saddened by the tragic loss of life that has occurred, and our thoughts are with those families who have been affected."
Watch: Texas searches for missing children
Rescue teams in Texas are searching for 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic, with crews scouring a wide area by helicopter.
Searches have been hampered by the floods moving debris, and those caught up in it, over large distances.
Good afternoon
We are returning to our live coverage of the flash flooding in Texas, which has led to the deaths of at least 51 people.
A desperate rescue mission is continuing to find the 27 children who went missing from a girls' church camp along the Guadalupe River, which was overwhelmed by heavy rain on Friday morning.
Authorities have not said how many other people are missing.
Rescuers in Texas, where it is now approaching 8am, are scouring a devastated landscape of mangled trees and overturned cars left in the wake of destructive, fast-moving water.
We'll be bringing you all the latest throughout the day.
We're pausing our live coverage
We are pausing our live coverage on the devastating flash floods in Texas - thank you for following along.
Rescued girl 'was on a mattress for hours'
Texas Congressman Chip Roy has said that a girl was stuck on a mattress for hours before she was rescued.
"One of my kids' schoolmates was missing. She was on a mattress for two to three hours in the middle of the night. She was reunited with her mom, and that's wonderful," he told reporters at a news conference.
"These are the kind of blessings we should be celebrating while also mourning the loss of life as we identify those who didn't make it."
Texas governor declares 'day of prayer'
Greg Abbott has asked Texans to "join me in prayer" for those affected by the devastating floods.
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