News Brief
Texas Flash Floods Kill At Lest 51, Including 15 Children; 27 Girls At Camp Site Missing, US Weather Agency Faces Scrutiny
Texas floods
At least 51 people, including 15 children, have died after sudden flash floods swept through central Texas on Saturday (5 July), India Today reported.
The disaster struck near the Guadalupe River, about 135 km from San Antonio.
More than 850 people have been rescued, many from rooftops and trees, by the emergency services after overnight torrents caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly.
Officials reported up to 15 inches of rain fell quickly, pushing river levels to 29 feet.
Among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp in Kerrville.
“We’re tracking the ‘known missing’—the 27—but there could be others. We simply don’t know yet,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice.
US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem acknowledged that the prior “moderate” flood warning warning was inadequate and announced a review of federal forecasting systems.
Governor Greg Abbott has sought a federal disaster declaration, which President Trump has agreed to back.
Trump and First Lady Melania expressed condolences online and commended emergency crews for their efforts.
Some experts have linked the forecasting lapses to recent staffing reductions at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), raising concerns over the agency’s preparedness during extreme weather events.
When floodwaters hit, Camp Mystic had 700 girls on-site. A nearby camp, Heart O' the Hills, confirmed the death of co-owner Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were at the site.
