
59, including 21 children, dead in Texas flooding; 850 rescued so far
Officials said on Saturday that more than 850 people had been rescued, including some clinging to trees, after a sudden storm dumped up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain across the region, about 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio. It was unclear exactly how many people in the area were still missing."Everyone in the community is hurting," Leitha told reporters.Some experts questioned whether cuts to the federal workforce by the Trump administration, including to the agency that oversees the National Weather Service, led to a failure by officials to accurately predict the severity of the floods and issue appropriate warnings ahead of the storm.President Donald Trump and his administration have overseen thousands of job cuts from the National Weather Service's parent agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, leaving many weather offices understaffed, said former NOAA director Rick Spinrad.He said he did not know if those staff cuts factored into the lack of advance warning for the extreme Texas flooding, but that they would inevitably degrade the agency's ability to deliver accurate and timely forecasts.Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who oversees NOAA, said a "moderate" flood watch issued on Thursday by the National Weather Service had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the system.The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Joaquin Castro, a Democratic congressman from Texas, told CNN's 'State of the Union' that fewer personnel at the weather service could be dangerous."When you have flash flooding, there's a risk that if you don't have the personnel to do that analysis, do the predictions in the best way, it could lead to tragedy," Castro said.MORE RAINMore rain was expected in the area on Sunday. The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for Kerr County until 1 pm local time.advertisementThe disaster unfolded rapidly on Friday morning as heavier-than-forecast rain drove river waters rapidly to as high as 29 feet (9 meters).Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a Republican, told a press conference on Saturday he had asked Trump to sign a disaster declaration, which would unlock federal aid for those affected. Noem said Trump would honour that request.Trump has previously outlined plans to scale back the federal government's role in responding to natural disasters, leaving states to shoulder more of the burden themselves.The 11 missing girls and the counsellor were from the Camp Mystic summer camp, a nearly century-old Christian girls' camp, which had 700 girls in residence at the time of the flood.A day after the disaster struck, the camp was a scene of devastation. Inside one cabin, mud lines indicating how high the water had risen were at least six feet (1.83 m) from the floor. Bed frames, mattresses and personal belongings caked with mud were scattered inside. Some buildings had broken windows, one had a missing wall.- EndsMust Watch
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Time of India
2 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.


Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
10 Deadliest US floods in the last 25 years that still haunt in the nation's history
Source: New York Times Texas flash floods have claimed at least 82 lives, with numerous other holiday visitors and campers still missing after torrential rains triggered a rapid and devastating rise in water levels. Kerr County emerged as the worst-hit region as nearly 12 inches of rain fell early Friday morning during an overnight storm, causing the Guadalupe River to surge 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The disaster unfolded over the holiday weekend, catching many off guard and overwhelming campsites, roads, and riverside communities. This tragedy underscores a stark reality: flash floods are the deadliest weather hazard in the United States, surpassing hurricanes and tornadoes in annual fatalities. The National Weather Service reports an average of over 125 flood-related deaths each year. As communities continue to reel from this latest disaster, it becomes yet another entry in a long history of devastating US floods from Hurricane Katrina to Superstorm Sandy that reveal the escalating threat of extreme weather events. Here are the 10 most disastrous flood events in the US in the last 25 years that will shake you. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mucus in Lungs? Do This if You Feel Breathlessness Neuracare Learn More Undo 10 major flood disasters in the US from Katrina to Kentucky Event Year Location(s) Fatalities Hurricane Helene 2024 FL, GA, NC, SC, TN, VA ~250 Eastern Kentucky Floods 2022 Eastern Kentucky 45 Waverly, TN Flash Flood 2021 Waverly, Tennessee 20 Hurricane Harvey 2017 Houston and Southeast Texas 68 West Virginia Floods 2016 West Virginia 23 Superstorm Sandy 2012 US East Coast (esp. NY & NJ) 147 (72 in US) Mississippi River Basin Floods 2011 OK, MO, AR, LA, TN 24 Hurricane Ike 2008 Texas Gulf Coast 100+ Hurricane Katrina 2005 Gulf Coast, especially New Orleans ~1,400 Tropical Storm Allison 2001 Texas and Louisiana (especially Houston) 41 Major flood disasters in the US The Texas Hill Country flood now adds to the growing list of flood disasters that have devastated parts of the US Here's a closer look at some of the most severe flood events in the US: Hurricane Helene (2024) Source: Bloomberg O ne of the most recent deadly events, Hurricane Helene tore through Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginia in September 2024. The storm caused around 250 fatalities, most of which were due to inland flooding, not wind. North Carolina alone reported 108 deaths, and entire Appalachian communities were left cut off from electricity, communications, and vital supplies. It was the deadliest hurricane since Katrina in 2005. Eastern Kentucky Floods (2022) Source: Reuters In July 2022, relentless rainfall triggered catastrophic flooding in eastern Kentucky, killing 45 people, according to the Associated Press. Meteorologists noted that the floods destroyed entire neighborhoods, schools, water systems, and roadways. Thousands of residents lost their homes and belongings overnight, marking one of the worst natural disasters in Kentucky's history. Waverly, Tennessee Flash Flood (2021) Source: Washington Post A staggering 17 inches of rain fell within 24 hours in Waverly, Tennessee, in August 2021. The resulting flood claimed 20 lives, including young twin babies swept from their father's arms. The rapid rise in water levels overwhelmed communities, destroying homes, vehicles, and businesses. Hurricane Harvey (2017) Source: ABC News One of the most infamous recent disasters, Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas as a Category 4 hurricane, then stalled, releasing historic rainfall over Houston and surrounding areas. The National Hurricane Center reported 68 deaths, with the vast majority caused by freshwater flooding. Harvey resulted in over $125 billion in damages and destroyed more than 300,000 structures. West Virginia Floods (2016) Source: USA Today A seemingly mild rainstorm turned deadly in June 2016, as flooding swept through West Virginia. The flood killed 23 people and left dozens stranded. The event exposed vulnerabilities in emergency preparedness and infrastructure across the state. Superstorm Sandy (2012) Source: USA Today Superstorm Sandy was a powerful hybrid system that struck the East Coast in October 2012. The storm caused 147 deaths, 72 of which occurred in the US Most fatalities were attributed to drowning, and massive storm surges flooded subways, damaged homes, and left millions without power, especially in New York and New Jersey. Mississippi River Basin Floods (2011) Source: Britannica In the spring of 2011, excessive rainfall and record snowmelt caused widespread flooding across the Mississippi River Basin, resulting in 24 deaths across multiple states including Oklahoma, Missouri, and Louisiana. Communities were overwhelmed as levees were breached and emergency systems failed under pressure. Hurricane Ike (2008) Source: New York Times Striking the Texas Gulf Coast in September 2008, Hurricane Ike produced a 20-foot storm surge in Galveston and dumped torrential rains on Houston. The storm killed over 100 people, many due to floodwaters, and severely damaged homes, roads, and vehicles. Hurricane Katrina (2005) Source: YouTube The deadliest and costliest flood disaster in US history, Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans and the Gulf Coast in 2005. When levees broke, entire neighborhoods were submerged, forcing rooftop rescues. The death toll reached nearly 1,400 people, with damages exceeding $200 billion. The event remains a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of flood mismanagement and climate vulnerability. Tropical Storm Allison (2001) Source: National Geographic In June 2001, Tropical Storm Allison stalled over Texas and Louisiana, unloading over 40 inches of rain in parts of Houston. The prolonged deluge caused 41 deaths, with extensive damage to homes, businesses, and city infrastructure. The storm left tens of thousands stranded as emergency services struggled to respond. From Texas to Kentucky and New Orleans to New Jersey, the destructive force of flash floods has reshaped communities, taken lives, and cost the nation hundreds of billions of dollars.
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Business Standard
2 hours ago
- Business Standard
Flash floods kill 80 in Texas as questions mount over ignored warnings
At least 80 people have been killed following catastrophic flash floods in central Texas, with rescue operations still underway. As the death toll is expected to rise, scrutiny has intensified over whether early warnings were sufficient and why evacuations — especially at vulnerable sites like children's camps — were not initiated in time, according to a report by BBC. The worst-hit area was Kerr County, where 28 children were among the deceased. A girls' summer camp became the scene of heartbreak as floodwaters inundated the site overnight. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly told CBS News that the magnitude of the flood came without warning. 'We had no reason to believe that this was gonna be anything like what's happened here. None whatsoever,' Kelly said. Timeline of flood warnings The flooding began late Thursday and carried into early Friday. Within 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River swelled by 26 ft, breaching its banks and sweeping through towns and campsites. According to official records, the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) activated an emergency response due to expected flooding in West and Central Texas on Wednesday. Then on Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood watch for Kerr County. On Friday at 1:14 am, a flash flood warning was issued for Kerr County. At 4.03 am and 5.34 am the same day, emergency flood warnings were issued as river levels surged, BBC reported. Despite these alerts, evacuations did not follow, and some residents were caught completely off guard. Texas floods: Communication and infra gaps Governor Greg Abbott said Texans are accustomed to flash flood warnings but emphasised the exceptional nature of this event. 'But there's no expectation of a water wall of almost 30ft high,' he said. Texas Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd cited technical challenges. 'You have areas where there is no cell phone coverage... it doesn't matter how many alert systems you sign up for, you're not going to get that,' Kidd said, as quoted by BBC. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said he underestimated the danger while jogging near the river early Friday. 'By 5.20 am, the water had risen so fast we almost weren't able to get out of the park,' he said. Judge Kelly added that Kerr County lacks a local flood alert system due to high infrastructure costs. A river warning system had been considered six years ago but was never implemented. NWS defends its warnings amid criticism The National Weather Service (NWS) said it issued timely alerts and held briefings on July 3. 'Flash flood warnings were issued... giving preliminary lead times of more than three hours before warning criteria were met,' it said. Texas floods: Staffing and budget cuts under scrutiny The floods reignited concerns over staffing shortages and budget cuts at the National Weather Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Reports mention fewer weather balloon launches and unfilled forecasting positions. Tom Fahy, legislative director of the NWS Employees Organisation, said, 'The WFOs had adequate staffing and resources as they issued timely forecasts and warnings.' Asked about systemic failures, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem emphasised the challenge of weather prediction. She said President Donald Trump is committed to modernising the country's alert systems. 'We know that everybody wants more warning time, and that's why we're working to upgrade the technologies,' she said, as quoted by BBC.