Death toll in Texas floods hits 51, dozens missing

At least 51 people have been confirmed dead following flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on Saturday as rescuers continued a frantic search for dozens more campers, vacationers and residents who are still missing.
Fifteen of the confirmed dead were children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.
The flood came in the early morning on Friday, the Independence Day. About 25 centimeters of water increased the water level in some sections of the Guadalupe River by more than 6 meters, leading to overflow of the riverbank that swept away trailer houses when people were sleeping.
The danger was not over as rains continued pounding communities outside San Antonio on Saturday and flash flood warnings and watches remained in effect.
Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue people stranded on trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.
Most of the missing persons were young girls from Camp Mystic in Kerr County where the flood was the deadliest. A few hundred children were attending this camp when the flood happened.
Another camp by Heart O' the Hills announced its director and co-owner Jane Ragsdale was also killed in the flooding. Luckily, all the children attending the camp got out in time.
A local soccer coach, his wife and their two children perished in the flood. A 27-year-old man managed to save his family, including his mother, fiancee and their children, but died in the effort.
A state official said more than 800 people have been rescued so far. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued disaster declaration for 15 counties in the region.
"I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines," he said in a statement.
While vowing continuous search operations until every missing one is accounted for, officials did acknowledge that as time goes by, the chances of finding survivors would diminish, which means the final death toll could exceed 70.
Caught off guard
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said on Friday that "no one knew this kind of flood was coming".Flood warning came in the dead of the night shortly after 1 am. People were caught off guard.
City Manager Dalton Rice of Kerrville said the extent and scale of the flood was unprecedented. "From our flood maps, we're seeing some areas where it's hitting the 100-year flood thing," Rice said on Saturday evening, meaning the chance of such flood is 1 percent.
The Kerr County and its surrounding region is part of Texas Hill Country, known for its natural beauty but also has a history of flash floods. Many came and camped along the Guadalupe River to celebrate the Independence Day.
Agencies contributed to this story.

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