Texas Officials Provide Update on Deadly Kerr County Floods

Devastating Flash Flood in Kerr County

• ⚡ A disastrous flash flood struck Kerr County early Friday morning, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
• 💧 The rapid rise of the river, which had been dry, caused destructive flooding, leading to loss of property and lives.

Rescue and Response Efforts

• 🚁 Currently, 14 helicopters are in the air, supported by 12 drones and nine rescue teams, including swimmers in the water.
• 👥 Over 400 to 500 people are on the ground from various state agencies, including DPS, Texas Military Department, and Parks and Wildlife.
• ⚠️ Officials are urging the public not to send additional drones or helicopters to the area to avoid interfering with rescue operations.

Camp Mystic and Missing Children

• 🏕️ Camp Mystic, a girls' camp with over 750 children, is a primary focus, with approximately 23 campers currently unaccounted for.
• 📞 Camp officials are directly contacting parents of missing children, stating that if a parent has not been personally contacted, their child is accounted for.
• 🔍 Search and rescue teams are working diligently, using helicopters, boats, and ground teams to locate missing individuals.

Preparedness and Warnings

• 📢 Local officials were notified of potential flooding the day before the event, but the exact landing point of the storm was uncertain.
• 🚗 Residents are strongly advised to stay away from flooded areas and not to attempt crossing roads with visible water due to unknown depths and swiftness.
• 🌊 Another wave of rain is expected, with concerns about downstream impacts and potential flooding in other counties.

State and Federal Support

• 🤝 State agencies are working closely with local law enforcement and emergency services, with self-deployed responders also assisting.
• 🇺🇸 The White House has offered full support, and the Army Corps of Engineers is assessing the safety of the Canyon Lake dam.
• 🙏 Officials are asking for serious prayers for the safe return of the missing children and for the affected families.