Texas floods: Death toll hits 100 as hopes for missing people fade

Hunt, Texas - The death toll in Texas from severe flooding rose to more than 100 as authorities continued to recover bodies in the wake of the catastrophe.

The death toll from catastrophic flash floods that hit Texas over the long July 4 weekend has risen to 100 as authorities continue to search for survivors.
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods that hit Texas over the long July 4 weekend has risen to 100 as authorities continue to search for survivors.  © REUTERS

In Kerr County, which saw the worst of Friday's flash floods, authorities confirmed 84 people have died, including 28 children, many of them at the Camp Mystic summer camp for girls.

Emergency services are continuing to search for missing people, but hopes of finding more survivors are dimming. In addition, operations being hampered by ongoing rain, flooding and power outages in some areas.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote to the inspector general at the Commerce Department demanding an investigation into the shortfalls amid reports of understaffing at local National Weather Service offices and of several key positions being unfilled.

Texas floods: Gov. Greg Abbott confirms over 160 people still missing after disaster
Environment and Climate Texas floods: Gov. Greg Abbott confirms over 160 people still missing after disaster

Over the weekend the New York Times, citing a union official, reported that the nearby NWS office in San Antonio lacked a senior hydrologist, staff forecaster, and meteorologist.

It also reported that officials were concerned about the flood risk but rejected installing a warning system, saying it was too costly.

Tragedy at Camp Mystic "unimaginable"

At least 27 people were killed at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, with others still missing amid fading hopes that they can be rescued.
At least 27 people were killed at Camp Mystic in Kerr County, with others still missing amid fading hopes that they can be rescued.  © REUTERS

The disaster at the Camp Mystic summer camp has captured the nation's attention, with at least 27 children and counselors killed and others still missing.

The camp, a private Christian site founded in 1926, was accommodating more than 750 children when the floods struck after heavy rainfall.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," the camp said in a statement.

"We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls," the statement added.

The heavy flooding on Friday morning took many people by surprise, as holidaymakers camped out in rural areas by rivers over the July 4 long weekend.

Local officials say more than 850 people were rescued unharmed from the area near the summer camp, while eight people were injured. Some had to climb trees to save themselves from being swept away by the floods.

Cover photo: REUTERS

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