Severe storms caused “catastrophic flooding” in Texas, United States, forcing evacuations of affected areas, especially around the Guadalupe River, while six fatalities were confirmed, but “there may be more.”
The U.S. Department of State has issued a warning for severe thunderstorms, heavy rains, and flash flooding for Independence Day, which is celebrated on July 4 in the United States, forcing the cancellation of celebrations in
Kerr County, TexasTexas Governor Greg Abbott assured that his administration is “deploying all available resources to respond to the devastating floods.”
"That includes water rescue teams, shelters, the National Guard, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The immediate priority is saving lives," the Republican Party member said in his X profile.
Six confirmed dead from rains in Texas; the toll could rise
Local authorities confirmed"fatalities" due to the storm, but did not provide details"until family members are notified." Through its Facebook account, the Kerr County Sheriff's Office stated that it"is working with a wide variety of local and state agencies to respond to calls and rescues."
“The entire county is an extremely active scene. Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt to travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground ,” they stated on the social network.
Emergency crews work in Texas after devastating flooding. Photo: X/@WeatherMonitors.
For his part, County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed six deaths, a number that will increase as authorities work on search and rescue efforts, according to local media outlet Austin American-Statesman.
"We can confirm it, but we fear there may be more. They're still searching," Kelly added at a press conference, where he described it as"a very devastating and deadly flood."
“Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States. We deal with flooding regularly. When it rains, we get water. We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what happened here, none at all,” he said.
Kerrville police, meanwhile, are working with the city's Fire Department and other first responders to"deal with heavy traffic and people gathering to view floodwaters," while also "trying to continue rescue and recovery operations."
The Texas governor is mobilizing resources to respond to a flood that left six dead. Photo: X/@WeatherMonitors.
“This incident isn't over, and now is not the time to go see the river. Please help us by staying away and giving us space to work,” they wrote in a Facebook post.
In Comfort, the Guadalupe River rose 30 feet, while in Kerrville, the flood level was 21 feet in the space of one hour of heavy rain.
According to local media, the rains will continue to be"very heavy" and will affect Medina, Bandara, Kerr, Kendall, and Gillespie counties at least until noon Friday. The storm will then continue to be light until early Saturday morning or later in parts of the Hill Country.
