Central Texas — A devastating flash flood over Fourth of July weekend has sent shockwaves through Central Texas, killing at least 104 and leaving Dozens Missing as state and federal crews intensify search-and-rescue operations. Fuelled by remnants from Tropical Storm Barry’s stalled weather system, Guadalupe River quickly turned into a lethal torrent, inundating streams, drowning cabins, vehicles, and lives before moving downstream towards San Antonio and Corpus Christi. State crews began search-and-rescue efforts while state crews prioritize search-and-rescue efforts after initial reports indicated its magnitude would cause more deaths from its deluge than it normally would normally expect; leaving Dozens Missing as rescue operations intensify.
From July 4 to 7, Flash Flood Alley in Tennessee experienced catastrophic rainfall totaling up to 20 inches per hour, prompting some areas to be designated a historic disaster zone by local officials and national agencies (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash Flood_Alley). Historically Speaking: [en.wikipedia.org]
At Hunt, the Guadalupe River surged an estimated 26 feet within 45 minutes to hit its second-highest recorded level, as estimated by Wsj and Wikipedia and reported on by Nypost (both sites give estimates)
Disaster unfolded downstream in Kerrville and Comfort as sudden water level increases led to widespread destruction and losses.
Camp Mystic Was Devastated Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the riverbanks, was particularly hard hit during Hurricane Harvey. Witnesses at Camp Mystic described terrifying scenes: cabins disintegrating while counselors raced for safety, cabins dissolving around them, rescue missions using boats and helicopters to pluck survivors out of chest-high onrushing waters utilising boats or helicopters en masse to reach survivors, cabins disintegrating; cabins dismantled; cabins disassembled upon hearing such news reports of flooding bystanders present described the worst possible scenes during Harvey; those present reported hearing the news reports at Camp Mystic by Beaumontenterprise.com +15 for coverage by Beaumontenterprise +15 for coverage by People for its coverage as seen through its coverage by its attendees described the chaos in its vicinity with cabin disintegrations occurring rapidly across its grounds: cabins disassembled before rescue missions used boats or helicopters to pluck survivors from chest-high onrushing waters around them before rescue missions used boats or helicopters used rescue missions used boats or helicopters rescue missions to pluck survivors from chest-high waters within chest-high onrushing waters before rescue missions used boats or helicopters pluck survivors from chest-high onrushing waters from chest-high onrushing waters within chest-high waters by BeaumontEnterprise.com +15, LMTonlinecom +15 as peopless of which they could pluck survivors being plucked rescue missions using boats and helicopters rescue missions pluck survivors from onrushing water in chest-high chest-Cover from rescue missions utilized boats/helic helicopters to pluck survivors from chest-helics to pluck survivors out using boats/ helicopters to pluck survivors out using chest/helic helicopters used rescue missions to pluck chest-high waters towards chest-high waters utilising rescue missions pluck.com +15 and/com to pluck from chest High Water levels/com (themtonline com +15 for survivors from onrushing waters umplut/com +15 to pluck c/ people and helicopter rescue missions used helicopters
At least 27 campers and counselors died at Camp Talisman; several remain missing (sources: Scottishsun.co.uk and MySanAntonio.com for details)
19-year-old counselor Chloe Childress was among those killed, remembered by those closest to her for her empathy, honesty, resilience and joy (The Daily Beast/ALJAZEERA/NYPost/). Our hearts go out to her loved ones at this difficult time.. [Widespread Loss & Emotional Toll].
Kerr County alone has seen 84 deaths confirmed; these include 56 adults and 28 children (ApNews.com/aljazeera, aljazeera.com, and Wikipedia all share this statistic).
Other counties report losses: seven in Travis, six in Kendall, four in Burnet, two Williamson and one Tom Green
Authorities warn the death toll may continue to increase as 24 individuals remain missing from this incident.
Emotional testimonies abound. Kerrville’s mayor noted, “We didn’t even have a warning,” when discussing the sudden river surge and lack of alerts (sources: En.Wikipedia, TheDailyBeast.com and Reuters).
One rancher wept after witnessing the devastation, calling it “unbelievable,” with his home and life under water within hours.
grief has spread, as was shown when Mary Grace Baker from Beaumont died last night; now her family must make arrangements as grief sweeps across communities, according to Beaumontenterprise.com and people.com. This tragedy marks another tragic chapter for rescue efforts and response operations nationwide.
More than 1,750 personnel from more than 20 agencies are scouring the region using helicopters, boats, and heavy equipment, according to multiple media reports (such as Wikipedia or The Guardian ). They include helicopters, boats, and heavy machinery as needed (The Guardian) (for instance). In total over 1850 personnel are on patrol throughout this region – from personnel with different agencies deploying helicopters, boats and heavy machinery (LMTOnline.com & Lmtonline com etc).
President Donald Trump declared Kerr County a federal disaster area, opening up avenues for FEMA aid (wsj.com and austineater.com both reported this). (en.wikipedia.org also covered this story).
According to reports, President Trump plans on paying us a visit.
Local officials in Kerr County are facing scrutiny regarding emergency preparedness. Previous proposals had called for outdoor sirens and early warning systems; now these deficiencies are under investigation by Wsj.com and NOAA staffing shortfalls remain contentious (thetimes.co.uk/thedailybeast +1).
Central Texas Communities Rally in Support In response to tragedy, Central Texas has rallied in support quickly. Aid is pouring in from nonprofits and local businesses: H-E-B and Whataburger are providing essentials and meals; World Central Kitchen, Mercy Chefs, Operation Airdrop are providing relief supplies; Airbnb.org has offered shelter to displaced families as well as responders; while The Guardian.com and Austin.eater.com both feature articles covering this story (both have 7+ ratings on them); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia) also features information from these events (The Guardian.com 9+7/ Austin Eater/wikipedia/).
As search operations reach their fifth day, hopes for additional rescues fade while officials pledge the recovery of individuals missing, both alive and deceased. Meanwhile, flash flood watches remain active across Central Texas with forecasters warning of more storms to come.
An Area Shattered but Undamaged
The Fourth of July disaster has devastated families and communities alike, leaving hundreds grieving. But in the midst of that grief lies unity: Vigils are being held, rescue workers continue tirelessly working for victims’ wellbeing, volunteers are pledged to reconstruction efforts; investigators strive to prevent future tragedies; while Central Texas transforms tears to determination as it turns its sorrow into resilience against future calamities.