At least 81 people, including 28 children, have died in catastrophic flooding across Texas after torrential rains overwhelmed rivers and triggered emergency rescues. Authorities warn more rainfall could hamper recovery efforts this week.
The tragedy struck Camp Mystic, a historic Christian summer camp in Kerr County, where 10 campers and one counselor remain missing. Sheriff Larry Leitha described teams working around the clock to search debris along the Guadalupe River, which burst its banks during U.S. Independence Day celebrations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, who toured the hardest-hit areas, called the scene "horrific" and pledged intensified search operations. Over 850 people have been rescued since Friday, some found clinging to trees as floodwaters surged.
U.S. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster, activating FEMA and deploying Coast Guard helicopters. "Our hearts are with the families," Trump said, announcing plans to visit the region.
Meteorologists attribute the crisis to a sudden storm system that dumped 38 centimeters of rain northwest of San Antonio. With soils saturated and rivers swollen, officials urge residents to remain vigilant for flash floods.
