At least 24 people are dead due to catastrophic flooding in Central Texas, and more are missing, including young girls from summer camp near Blanco River and staff from Blanco Camp near the Blanco. Days of torrential rainfall overwhelmed rivers and creeks resulting in flash floods which quickly swept through towns, campgrounds and roadways without warning causing devastating destruction in towns, campgrounds and roadways throughout Texas.
Emergency officials reported late Wednesday evening that the Blanco River, already swollen from earlier storms, reached unprecedented levels quickly in a few hours late that same night, flooding surrounding communities and low-lying recreational areas in its path. Camp Willow Pines in Wimberley had over 80 campers and staff members present when its waters reached unprecedented heights a short time later.
Helicopter footage and eyewitness accounts reveal scenes of devastation: cabins submerged under water, trees uprooted, debris scattered over miles – with parents racing to the scene after hearing reports of flooding, many still waiting to hear word on their children; although rescue teams had evacuated several dozen girls as of Friday morning according to officials, several girls remain missing according to reports.
“Every parent’s worst nightmare,” stated Hays County Sheriff Richard Avalos at a press briefing. “We are doing all in our power to locate those missing; however, conditions can be challenging, currents strong and an expansive area present themselves – but we won’t give up.”
Multiple state agencies, including the Texas Department of Emergency Management and National Guard, have been deployed for search and rescue operations. Boats, drones and K9 units have been utilized to comb through flood-hit areas. Meanwhile, hundreds of residents displaced from their homes have sought shelter in local schools or churches.
Weather experts attribute the severity of flooding in Hill Country areas to a stalled weather system which dumped nearly 20 inches of rain within 48 hours – “this isn’t just your typical Texas storm”, said meteorologist Carla Dunham, but rather “it’s truly unprecedented flooding event”.
Governor Vanessa Clarke declared an emergency state across eight counties, freeing federal resources and disaster relief funding. She issued the following statement in response: “Our hearts go out to those impacted by such unimaginable loss – we won’t rest until every missing person is located and every survivor supported.”
Families of those affected have taken to social media platforms like Facebook to express their grief over children whose lives have been cut short by nature’s violent storm. One confirmed victim is 12-year-old Mia Gonzalez, who made her camping debut that night and whose body was later recovered downstream by a rescue boat team.
Community leaders have come together in support, offering food, shelter and clothing from local businesses; blood donation centers have seen an upsurge in volunteers as well.
As Texas mourns, questions have already arisen regarding emergency preparedness at outdoor youth facilities such as Camp Willow Pines. Authorities have pledged an in-depth examination into warning systems and evacuation protocols at Camp Willow Pines.
At this point, however, the primary goals remain recovery, rescue, and memorialisation.
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