More heavy rain is expected in Texas as flash flooding death toll climbs to 81.
State and municipal officials say that at least 81 people have been killed by devastating flash floods in Central Texas, including 28 children in one county. Texas Governor Greg Abbott cautions that flash floods might still be a threat for some areas over the coming days as “additional heavy rains” is anticipated, with hundreds still missing throughout the state.
Flash flooding in the Big Country, Concho Valley, Central Texas, and once more in the City of Kerrville, where much of the damage has been documented, might result from heavy rains, according to a news conference today.
Here’s the latest:
- Death toll: Officials in several Texas counties have confirmed a total of 81 fatalities in connection with the flooding, including 68 in Kerr County, five in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two in in Kendall County, one in Tom Green County and two in Williamson County. Among those deceased in Kerr County are 40 adults and 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.
- Missing campers: Officials in Kerr County say crews are continuing to search for 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, an all-girls’ summer camp near the Guadalupe River that was swamped by flood waters.
- Search and Rescue: At least 41 people are missing due to the flooding, according to state and local officials. To aid in the search, Texas Air National Guardsmen are using remotely piloted military drones typically used by the military to conduct surveillance.
- Emergency readiness: Records show officials in Kerr County previously consideredinstalling flood warning sirens, but the plan never came to fruition. And while the National Weather Service issued a slew of alerts before the storm, questions surround the agency’s staffing and ability to reach residents at the time of the disaster.
