Death Toll Rises to 24 in Texas Floods, Campers Missing
Authorities in Texas have confirmed that the death toll from the recent devastating floods has reached 24, with the tragic news that about two dozen girls from a Christian summer camp are still missing.
Between 23 to 25 children from Camp Mystic are unaccounted for after the Guadalupe River overflowed its banks during an unexpected early morning rainstorm.
While 24 fatalities have been reported, it is uncertain if any of the victims are linked to the camp. One victim was discovered in Kendall County, but authorities are unsure if it is related to the main flood in Kerr County.
Rescue efforts have saved 237 individuals from the floods, with 167 rescued by helicopter as of late Friday. The exact number of people still missing remains unknown.
During a press conference on Friday night, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a disaster for several counties in and around San Antonio, ensuring that all necessary resources are available for those affected by the flood.
Officials are advising Texans to avoid flooded areas as rescue operations continue. Efforts were momentarily halted earlier in the day when relatives rushed to the river to assist in the search for their missing loved ones.
This is not the first time the Guadalupe River has flooded Kerr County, as a similar tragedy occurred in 1987 when a church bus was overtaken, resulting in the deaths of 10 teenagers. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly mentioned that the campgrounds lack a warning system in place.
