In the midst of an unprecedented emergency, Texas is facing a catastrophic flood that has left multiple fatalities and forced large-scale rescue operations.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 13 people have died in the Texas Hill Country, although they have not yet revealed the identities of the victims, in addition to 20 girls who are missing, while the priority remains saving lives.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said between six and 10 bodies have been recovered so far during search and rescue operations. Meanwhile, during a simultaneous press conference, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 13 people had died from the flash flooding.
Since the early hours of July 4, the overflowing of the Guadalupe River has triggered a crisis in the region, especially in Kerrville, a city of 25,000 inhabitants located about 96 kilometers northwest of San Antonio.
Emergency efforts in Kerr County intensified after authorities confirmed the deaths and disappearance of nearly 20 children at Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' camp that was severely affected by the flooding of the Guadalupe River, Rob Kelly reported.
Hundreds of rescuers deployed around the area, carrying out intensive search operations, focusing especially on the area surrounding this summer camp.
The identification process for the fatal victims was ongoing, according to authorities. Rescue efforts, which by late morning had already numbered several dozen in swift water, continued into the afternoon in Kerrville.
“In 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 8 meters and a devastating flood occurred that took property and, sadly, lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick at a press conference.
“When you look out your front door and see the Guadalupe River running, you’re going to wake up, I promise you,” Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly warned, as sirens wail in the background.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. signed a disaster declaration in response to the magnitude of the crisis. City officials officially acknowledged the death toll and missing persons in Kerr County, while rescue operations continued along the Guadalupe River.
The local government stated that “search and recovery efforts will continue and increase as the water level recedes.” As a result of the emergency, the traditional “Cuatro en el río” celebration was canceled in the city, reinforcing the total focus on caring for those affected and the emergency operation.
Rapidly rising waters of the Guadalupe River forced authorities in Comfort, Texas, to order mandatory evacuations along riverfront areas. The Comfort Volunteer Fire Department warned in a statement at 11:00 a.m. local time that the situation was deteriorating and activated flood sirens urging all residents in low-lying areas to leave their homes immediately.
The population was instructed to evacuate, carrying essential documents, medications, clothing, and valuables to safe, elevated areas. The process was supported by Kerrville police and firefighters, who set up a reunification center at a local Walmart store and will offer shelter at a church, ensuring assistance to those who had to leave their homes quickly.
Was this a flash flood?
Although the National Weather Service had issued warnings for Kerr County and surrounding areas prior to July 3, the magnitude of the flooding exceeded any local forecasts. Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged that no one anticipated an emergency of this magnitude and noted the lack of an alert system capable of warning the public overnight when heavy rains caused the flooding.
“This has been a devastating and deadly flood. We're used to dealing with floods,” Kelly said. “But nothing indicated we'd experience an event like this.”
Flash floods are phenomena that develop within a few hours after heavy rainfall or due to sudden factors such as dam failures or mudflows. According to experts, this type of water emergency can occur even within the first three to six hours after the onset of extreme rainfall, especially thunderstorms.
According to the National Weather Service, factors that determine the speed and severity of an event include the amount and distribution of rainfall, soil type and saturation, availability of vegetation, land use and the topographyitself. In urban areas, the presence of impervious surfaces causes water to move more quickly to low-lying areas, increasing the risk: in these areas, intense rainfall can lead to more rapid and severe flooding than in rural or suburban areas.
Precisely because of their rapidity, these floods often surprise the population unprepared, placing drivers and residents in very dangerous situations, either trapped by moving waters or facing sudden damage to their properties, with no possibility of reaction or efficient protection.
