logo
UAE Ministry sends condolences and solidarity to U.S. after Texas flooding

UAE Ministry sends condolences and solidarity to U.S. after Texas flooding

Time of India8 hours ago
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.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Texas flash floods: 27 campers and counselors killed in Camp Mystic
Texas flash floods: 27 campers and counselors killed in Camp Mystic

Hindustan Times

timean hour ago

  • Hindustan Times

Texas flash floods: 27 campers and counselors killed in Camp Mystic

The deadly floods in Texas have killed some 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, Reuters reported, citing a statement from the camp. Camp Mystic in the community of Hunt in Kerr County is a Christian girls' camp that opened in 1926.(AP) The camp in the community of Hunt in Kerr County is a Christian girls' camp that opened in 1926. "Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River," the camp said in a statement. The catastrophic flash floods that struck Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend killed at least 82 people, with others still missing, including the girls attending summer camp. The risk of life-threatening flooding still lurked over central Texas as more rain was forecast for the region. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that additional rounds of heavy rainfall lasting into Tuesday could bring more dangerous flooding, especially in places already saturated. Abbott said that 41 people were still unaccounted for across the state, fearing that more could be missing. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that in the Hill Country area, searchers found bodies of 68 people, including 28 children. Ten other deaths were also reported in the Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green and Williamson counties, local officials said. ALSO READ | Camp Mystic flooding: Republican lawmaker reunites with his two daughters after deadly Texas floods The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was also activated late on Sunday after President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, saying that he would likely visit the flood-hit region on Friday. "I would have done it today, but we'd just be in their way," he told reporters. Trump further said, "It's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible." Earlier at Campy Mystic, a cabin full of girls held onto a rope thrown to them by rescuers as they tried to walk across a bridge with water running over their legs. An 8-year-old girl from Alabama's Mountain Brook, who was at Camp Mystic, and the director of another camp up the road, were among those confirmed dead. A row also erupted over residents and people present in the area not receiving the flood alert earlier. The National Weather Service first advised of potential flooding and then sent out a series of flash flood warnings early on Friday before issuing flash flood emergencies, which is a rare alert to notify of imminent danger. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said authorities are committed to a full review of the emergency response.

Texas flood: 27 children and counselors killed at Camp Mystic, several people still missing. Here's all you need to know
Texas flood: 27 children and counselors killed at Camp Mystic, several people still missing. Here's all you need to know

Mint

time2 hours ago

  • Mint

Texas flood: 27 children and counselors killed at Camp Mystic, several people still missing. Here's all you need to know

Catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in central Texas has killed 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic, officials said Monday, in one of the deadliest weather disasters to hit the state in years. 'Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counselors following the catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River,' the camp said in a statement posted to its website. 'We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, first responders, and officials at every level.' Flash floods swept through central Texas over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, killing at least 82 people and leaving dozens more missing, including several girls who were attending a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. The torrential rain struck the Texas Hill Country overnight Friday into Saturday, dropping nearly 12 inches of rain in hours. The Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour, reaching treetops and sweeping through riverside cabins as people slept. Blankets, toys, and furniture were left buried in mud, while shattered windows and debris testified to the force of the water. The floods struck in the dark early hours of Friday, when a powerful storm dumped nearly a foot of rain across the Texas Hill Country. The Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in just 45 minutes, quickly engulfing cabins and homes. 'Across the state, in all the areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing,' Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Sunday. More than 17 helicopters were dispatched to help locate missing children and adults. Volunteers and residents joined the effort, though officials asked civilians to stop flying personal drones to avoid endangering rescue aircraft. Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County confirmed at least 68 deaths in his jurisdiction alone—40 adults and 28 children. Survivors described the floods as an unstoppable torrent. 'It was a pitch black wall of death,' one camper's parent said. 'People had no chance to get out in time.' Many said they did not receive emergency alerts before water levels rose to treetops. Questions have mounted over why evacuation alerts were issued only around 4 a.m. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said, 'Nobody saw this coming,' referring to the deluge as a '100-year flood.' Officials acknowledged a proposal for a more robust flood warning system had stalled over concerns about the cost.

Texas braces for more flash floods as rescuers search for survivors
Texas braces for more flash floods as rescuers search for survivors

Mint

time3 hours ago

  • Mint

Texas braces for more flash floods as rescuers search for survivors

KERRVILLE, Texas—Parts of Texas devastated by flash floods that left at least 82 dead over the holiday weekend were braced for more heavy rains as forecasters extended flood warnings through Monday evening. Search and rescue operations continued into the early hours, with an unknown number of people still missing. At a summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River in the state's Hill Country, nearly a dozen girls remained unaccounted for. Rescuers combing the swollen banks of the river were holding out hope that survivors might still be found, but bad weather interrupted ground-and-air operations Sunday. Some areas could expect up to 10 inches of rain Monday, the National Weather Service said.'There remains a threat of flash flooding from slow-moving heavy rains overnight and through the day on Monday," the weather service said. 'Rainfall rates will be very intense in the heaviest showers and storms." The current flood warnings would remain in effect until at least 7 p.m. local time, the weather service of the 82 fatalities so far were recorded in Kerr County, along the Guadalupe River basin. Of the 68 dead in Kerr County, 40 were adults and 28 were children, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office. Another 14 fatalities were recorded in other flood-hit counties. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urged central Texans to be 'extraordinarily cautious" on roads and alert to evacuation warnings for the next 24 to 48 hours because of flash flood risks. The area was crowded with families and campers preparing to enjoy the July Fourth holiday when pounding rain brought about catastrophic flash floods just before dawn Friday. Homes were wiped out and vehicles, RVs and summer cabins were carried away by the raging waters. A warning for potential flash flooding in parts of Central Texas was issued Thursday afternoon by the National Weather Service. By the early hours of Friday, after a storm system had stalled over the area and dumped far more rain than had been forecast, the weather service warned of imminent flash floods in the area around Camp Mystic. A wave of water surged through the river, with the worst of the flooding near the camp happening between about 4 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., according to a flood gauge. U.S. Border Patrol officers search through debris along the Guadalupe River. Further downstream in Kerrville, the river rose almost 35 feet in the early hours. Sirens went off in a neighboring county, but Kerr County didn't have an outdoor warning system. Kerrville resident George Moore woke up around 4 a.m. on Friday to the noise of weather alerts. He went outside to pull in a deer feeder and chairs along the banks of the river, where water was rising fast. He woke up his wife, Tammy, and they joined others on the street who were going house to house to wake people up. 'The entire time I was out here, there were camper trailers and all kinds of things hitting those trees in the dark," Moore said, pointing to broken cypress trees. 'I could hear two people somewhere over here hollering for help and there was nothing you could do. It was horrible." Tammy Moore said they called 911 when they realized their street was no longer passable. The operator said that if the water rose too high, they should get on the roof and await rescue. The water halted just a few feet up their yard and no one on their street was hurt. George Moore said that people are blaming the city but he is unhappy with the weather alerts, which come too frequently to know what to take seriously. 'They say a flash flood warning. Well, you get 15 of them and you're going, 'OK, right.'" On Sunday, search-and-rescue crews in helicopters flew low over the river, where massive trees were snapped in half or toppled in huge piles like dominoes, debris tangled in their limbs. Across Kerrville, churches and schools have become makeshift shelters and hubs for families looking for loved ones. Big parking lots have become staging areas for rescue crews and utility trucks, with mobile showers, laundry facilities and food trucks. In the parking lot of the Kerrville Walmart late Sunday afternoon, Kellye Badon gathered with family and friends as they wrapped up day three of the search for her daughter, Joyce Catherine Badon, a 21-year-old student at Savannah College of Art and Design. Joyce Catherine and three friends—Ella Cahill, Aidan Heartfield and Reese Manchaca—were swept from the porch of a home in Hunt, an unincorporated community west of the city, around 4 a.m. on Friday, Kellye Badon said. Just before it happened, Heartfield had called his father and said that water was rising and their cars had washed away. They couldn't get into the attic. At some point, he handed the phone to Joyce Catherine, who spoke briefly to Heartfield's father and told him suddenly, 'They're gone. The current." Joyce Catherine added, 'Tell my mom and dad I love them," her mother recounted, breaking into tears. 'And she was gone," Kellye Badon said. 'What has been disappointing to us is there have not been directions about what to do about people who were not Mystic campers," Badon said. 'We have not received guidance." Lacking that, the Badons and other families have organized a roughly 50-member team of their own. The only thing left of the house is the foundation, but they have mapped the area and gather early each morning to search a seven-mile stretch. It is the kind of unofficial effort that authorities have discouraged, but the Badons say they are determined to look until they find their daughter and her friends. 'She is a strong person," Badon said. 'That is why I am optimistic she is holding on." The current flood warnings will remain in effect through Monday evening. Write to Jennifer Hiller at Gareth Vipers at and Collin Eaton at

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store