At least 82 people have died in flash flooding in Texas as the search continues for dozens still missing.
At least 41 people remain missing, including at least 10 girls and one councillor still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a Christian summer camp for girls along the Guadalupe River.
At Camp Mystic at least 27 people died, the camp confirmed in a statement to Sky’s US partner NBC News. It said it is working with local and state officials to try to locate those who remain missing.
“This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers,” Camp Mystic added.
A man helping with the search for missing campers reacts while stopping on the road near Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
Rescue workers are seen on land and a boat as they search for missing people near Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
A person removes bedding from sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
The director of the camp, Dick Eastland, was among those killed in the floods. He died trying to save the campers “he so loved and cared for”, his grandson George said on social media.
Water burst from the banks of the Guadalupe River and began sweeping into Kerr County and other areas around 4am local time on Friday, killing at least 68 people, including at least 28 children and 40 adults.
In nearby Kendall County, two people have died. At least six people were killed in Travis County, while at least four people died in Burnet County. In both Williamson and Tom Green counties, at least one person has died.
US President Donald Trump has signed a “major disaster declaration” for Kerr County to ensure that rescuers get the resources they need.
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A map showing the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which burst from heavy rain and caused flash flooding
Vehicles ride through a flooded road, following flash flooding, in Hunt, Texas. Pic: Reuters/Marco Bello
Officials ride a boat as they arrive to assist with a recovery effort at Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
Rescue crews have already saved hundreds of people and would work around the clock to find those still unaccounted for, Texas governor Greg Abbott pledged, adding that there were at least 41 people confirmed to be missing.
Mr Abbott asked relatives of people who may have been camping in Kerr County to contact local authorities, as it was difficult to know just who is missing due to the number of people who may have been camping in the area unofficially.
“There are people who are missing who are not on the ‘known confirmed missing’ because we do not know who they are,” he said at a news conference last night.
Meanwhile, police are collecting DNA from family members to help identify those who have died in the floods.
A military helicopter flies by over the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
A vehicle rests against vegetation near a cabin, following flash flooding, in Hunt, Texas. Pic: Reuters/Marco Bello
Colonel Freeman Martin, from the Texas Department of Public Safety, said there are several “unidentified” people at funeral homes, both adults and children.
The DNA collected from relatives was flown to the University of North Texas in Dallas.
“We will have rapid DNA in hours, not days, to get some closure and information back to those families,” Colonel Freeman Martin said.
He also said the death toll is certain to rise over the next few days.
A vehicle pulled from the water after the deadly flooding in Kerrville, Texas. Pic: Reuters/Sergio Flores
Rescuers paddle an inflatable boat as they search along a waterway following flash flooding, in Kerrville. Pic: Reuters/Marco Bello
This comes as Mr Abbott indicated that the danger wasn’t over yet either, as additional rounds of heavy rains lasting into Tuesday could produce more “rapid flash flooding events”, especially in places already saturated.
The governor urged drivers to be “extraordinarily cautious” for the next 48 hours due to the potential floods, as some people across Texas died when they were swept away in vehicles.
“Rising water on roads can occur very rapidly. You may think you can drive through it, only to find out when you’re in there that it is too late and you are getting swept away,” he said.
“You don’t need to get from point A to point B if you are going to risk your life,” he added, telling people to “turn around, don’t drown”.
