Latest news with #TexasDepartmentofEmergencyManagement


Daily Mirror
08-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Texas Senator seen holidaying in Europe as flood death toll reaches 100
Senator Ted Cruz was allegedly spotted touring Europe as the death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Texas continued to climb after a river swelled and ripped through summer camps Senator Ted Cruz of Texas has been caught holidaying in Europe while his home state battles devastating flash floods. The Swamp revealed that Cruz, alongside his family, was spotted on Saturday soaking up the history at Athens' iconic Parthenon. As 54-year-old Cruz and his wife Heidi, aged 52, were taking in the ancient Greek ruins back in Texas, emergency services were scrambling to rescue those missing following the rapid flooding of the Guadalupe River in Hill County, which tore through summer camps and local communities. Officials now believe at least 104 lives have been lost due to the catastrophic weather event. An onlooker at the Parthenon recounted, "He was with his family and a lone security guard," and shared their confrontation with the senator: "As he walked past us, I simply said, '20 kids dead in Texas and you take a vacation?'". The eyewitness continued, revealing Cruz's reaction: "He sort of grunted and walked on," and noted, "His wife shot me a dirty look. Then they continued on with their tour guide." Following his supposed return on Sunday, Cruz released a statement assuring that he was being kept informed about the ongoing crisis, reports the Mirror US. Senator Ted Cruz revealed the steps he took in the initial phases of the catastrophic flood, stating that he immediately touched base with top state officials and even reached out to the then-President. "In the first few hours of this flood, I was on the phone with Governor Abbott, was on the phone with Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, I was on the phone with Nim Kidd, the head of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, and then I called President Trump," Cruz said on Monday morning. He informed Trump during dinner time about the grave situation: "He was having dinner at the time, it was still early in what was transpiring, and I wanted him to know. I said, Mr President, from everything we're hearing right now, this appears to be bad, really bad." Cruz also shared the president's swift commitment to aiding the crisis-hit area, noting, "There may be a very significant loss of life unfolding right now in Texas... The president said, 'Ted... whatever assets you need, whatever resources you need, yes, let us know, and we will provide everything.'" The senator noted the quick response following the disaster as well: "Within hours, we had over a dozen helicopters in the air, National Guard, DPS, game wardens, Coast Guard, doing search and rescue." The tragic repercussions of the floods were brought into sharper focus with reports that Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer camp, endured some of the worst devastation, suffering several casualties amongst its campers and counsellors. The camp's disclosure contributes to the deep sorrow surrounding the calamity that saw a powerful deluge sweep through the historic recreational site. The camp released a heartfelt message on its website, stating: "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls," and expressing their gratitude by saying, "We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from the community, first responders, and officials at every level." As the search continues, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed on Sunday that at least 40 individuals remain unaccounted for, cautioning that this figure is expected to climb. Later updates revealed that authorities have found 75 deceased individuals in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children. Officials report that there are still 15 adults and nine children awaiting identification, while 10 campers and one counsellor from Camp Mystic are still missing. Additionally, 10 fatalities have been confirmed in other counties, including Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson, amidst rescue operations that have saved over 850 people from the floodwaters. On Sunday, families of those at the camp were allowed on-site to join the search for their missing relatives. Volunteers, along with professionals using heavy machinery, have been working to clear debris from the land and river to aid the search efforts. In February 2021, the Texas senator was caught jetting off to Cancun, Mexico, amidst a winter storm that left hundreds of Texans without power or heat. Cruz justified his getaway by claiming he wanted to be "a good dad", but made a swift return as "it didn't feel right."


DW
06-07-2025
- Climate
- DW
Texas flood death toll jumps to 78 as search intensifies – DW – 07/06/2025
US President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration. The severe flooding left dozens of people dead and several others missing — many from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp. The death toll from flash floods in the US state of Texas jumped to at least 78 people on Sunday as the search for girls missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp, continues. Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said the death toll in the hardest-hit Kerr County had reached 68, including the 28 children. 10 more girls and a camp counselor are still unaccounted for. At least 10 others died from the floods in other Texas counties. Across the state, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said there were 41 people confirmed to be unaccounted for, and more could be missing. Abbott also warned that more rounds of heavy rain could fall on areas that are already affected. US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. This is "to ensure that our brave first responders immediately have the resources they need," Trump posted on social media. Rescuers have been scouring the area to locate survivors, including 10 girls who have not been seen since the floods slammed into their camp, along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, in Kerr County, a rural area about 85 miles (140 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio. US media reported that four of the missing girls were dead, citing their families. Frantic parents and families posted photos of missing loved ones and pleas for information. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The obituary section of a local news site featured tributes to victims, including Camp Mystic's owner and director Dick Eastland. The director of a nearby camp was also confirmed dead from the floods. Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued in the last 36 hours. However, many others had arrived in the area to celebrate United States Independence Day on Friday, so authorities say they don't know who else may be unaccounted for. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies. "We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found," he said. Dalton Rice, an official from the city of Kerrville, said rescuers were facing "very difficult" conditions while "looking in every possible location" for survivors. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The extreme weather began before daybreak Friday — the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend — as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The fast-moving waters of the Guadalupe rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles. Camp Mystic was overwhelmed by floodwaters that inundated its riverside facilities. Buildings were destroyed and the highway to the camp was washed away, hindering rescue efforts. Several other communities along the Guadalupe were hit hard, with buildings, bridges and roads washed out. Afterward, the National Weather Service said the flash flood had dumped more than a foot of rain, half of the total the region sees in a typical year. Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the rising waters. The area along the Guadalupe River has long been vulnerable to flooding, sparking questions about the lack of proper warnings. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued flood alerts, but US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the warnings had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall. Noem said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the early warning system, although the NWS's parent agency has recently faced huge cuts, leaving many weather offices understaffed. US Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, called it a once-in-a-century flood and acknowledged that there would be finger-pointing. The county had considered a river flood warning system similar to a tornado warning over the past decade, but officials say the cost was then deemed too high.


DW
06-07-2025
- Climate
- DW
Texas flood death toll hits nearly 70 as search intensifies – DW – 07/06/2025
US President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration. The severe flooding left dozens of people dead and several others missing — many from a girls' summer camp. The death toll from flash floods in the US state of Texas rose to at least 67 people on Sunday as the search for girls missing from Camp Mystic summer camp continues. Larry Leitha, the Kerr County Sheriff in Texas Hill Country, said the death toll in the hardest-hit Kerr County had reached 59, including the 21 children. 11 more girls and a camp counselor are unaccounted for. At least 8 others died from the floods in other Texas counties. It is unclear how many in total are still missing. US President Donald Trump on Sunday issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. This is "to ensure that our brave first responders immediately have the resources they need," Trump posted on social media. Rescuers have been scouring the area to locate survivors, including 11 girls who have not been seen since the floods slammed into their camp, along the banks of the Guadalupe River. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, in Kerr County, a rural area about 85 miles (140 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio. US media reported that four of the missing girls were dead, citing their families. Frantic parents and families posted photos of missing loved ones and pleas for information. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The obituary section of a local news site featured tributes to victims, including Camp Mystic's owner and director Dick Eastland. The director of a nearby camp was also confirmed dead from the floods. Officials said more than 850 people had been rescued in the last 36 hours. However, many others had arrived in the area to celebrate United States Independence Day on Friday, so authorities say they don't know who else may be unaccounted for. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies. "We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found," he said. Dalton Rice, an official from the city of Kerrville, said rescuers were facing "very difficult" conditions while "looking in every possible location" for survivors. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The extreme weather began before daybreak Friday — the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend — as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The fast-moving waters of the Guadalupe rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes, washing away homes and vehicles. Camp Mystic was overwhelmed by floodwaters that inundated its riverside facilities. Buildings were destroyed and the highway to the camp was washed away, hindering rescue efforts. Several other communities along the Guadalupe were hit hard, with buildings, bridges and roads washed out. Afterward, the National Weather Service said the flash flood had dumped more than a foot of rain, half of the total the region sees in a typical year. Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the rising waters. The area along the Guadalupe River has long been vulnerable to flooding, sparking questions about the lack of proper warnings. The National Weather Service (NWS) had issued flood alerts, but US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the warnings had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall. Noem said the Trump administration was working to upgrade the early warning system, although the NWS's parent agency has recently faced huge cuts, leaving many weather offices understaffed. US Rep. Chip Roy, whose district includes the ravaged area, called it a once-in-a-century flood and acknowledged that there would be finger-pointing. The county had considered a river flood warning system similar to a tornado warning over the past decade, but officials say the cost was then deemed too high.


Observer
06-07-2025
- Climate
- Observer
Rescuers search for missing girls as Texas flood death toll hits 50
HUNT: Rescuers searched through the night early on Sunday for 27 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating floods that killed at least 50 people in the US state. Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place across central Texas after water surged through communities, with the Guadalupe River rising by eight meters in just 45 minutes. The Kerr County summer camp where hundreds were staying was left in disarray, with blankets, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud. "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Larry Leitha, the sheriff of the flood-ravaged region. Multiple victims were also found in other counties, bringing the death toll to 50 so far. There was better news for Congressman August Pfluger, who said on Saturday his two young daughters were safely evacuated from Camp Mystic in flooded Kerr County, where the windows of cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," the Texas Republican wrote on X. It was unclear if the two girls were among the 27 that authorities said were still missing as of Saturday. Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard was "punching through storms" to evacuate stranded residents. "We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible," she said in a post on X. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead. People look on as law enforcement and volunteers continue to search for missing people, in Hunt. — AFP Texas Governor Greg Abbott said keeping the search going throughout the night was essential as "every hour counts". The flooding began on Friday — the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend — as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river." Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual. But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves more frequent and more intense. Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from Camp Mystic were still missing. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe at the time of the flood. The owner and director of Camp Mystic was also dead, according to the Kerrville website, as was the manager of another nearby summer camp. Elsewhere in Texas, four people were confirmed dead in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, and 13 people were missing, public information office director Hector Nieto said. A 62-year-old woman's body was found in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County, along the Concho River, police said. Two more people died in Burnet County, the area's emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio said, bringing the state-wide death toll to 50. Noem earlier said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "We need to renew this ancient system," Noem told a press conference. Scientists and disaster management agencies have criticized Trump for cutting funding and staffing at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS. When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government." Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the flooding. "We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said on Friday. The rain was "double of what was anticipated," Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said. — AFP


New Straits Times
06-07-2025
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Deadly Texas floods claim 50 lives, 27 girls still missing
HUNT, United States: Rescuers searched through the night early Sunday for 27 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating floods that killed at least 50 people in the US state. Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place across central Texas after water surged through communities, with the Guadalupe River rising by 26 feet (eight meters) in just 45 minutes. The Kerr County summer camp where hundreds were staying was left in disarray, with blankets, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud. "We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Larry Leitha, the sheriff of the flood-ravaged region. Multiple victims were also found in other counties, bringing the death toll to 50 so far. There was better news for Congressman August Pfluger, who said Saturday his two young daughters were safely evacuated from Camp Mystic in flooded Kerr County, where the windows of cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. "The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors," the Texas Republican wrote on X. It was unclear if the two girls were among the 27 that authorities said were still missing as of Saturday. Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem said the US Coast Guard was "punching through storms" to evacuate stranded residents. "We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible," she said in a post on X. Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead. Texas Governor Greg Abbott said keeping the search going throughout the night was essential as "every hour counts." The flooding began Friday – the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend – as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations." In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris. "The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river." Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual. But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heatwaves more frequent and more intense. On Saturday, Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from Camp Mystic were still missing. Around 750 girls were attending Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe at the time of the flood. The owner and director of Camp Mystic was also dead, according to the Kerrville website, as was the manager of another nearby summer camp. Elsewhere in Texas, four people were confirmed dead in Travis County, northeast of Kerr, and 13 people were missing, public information office director Hector Nieto told AFP. A 62-year-old woman's body was found in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County, along the Concho River, police said. Two more people died in Burnet County, the area's emergency management coordinator Derek Marchio told AFP, bringing the state-wide death toll to 50. Noem earlier said Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). "We need to renew this ancient system," Noem told a press conference. Scientists and disaster management agencies have criticised Trump for cutting funding and staffing at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS. When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government." Officials and residents alike were shocked by the speed and intensity of the flooding. "We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said Friday. The rain was "double of what was anticipated," Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said. Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold. "Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses," Reyna said. "It's just crazy."-AFP