Torrential rains in the U.S. state of Texas have triggered devastating floods, severely impacting central regions of the state. The death toll has risen to 80, while 27 missing girls remain unaccounted for.
According to an AP news agency report, central Texas has been ravaged by severe flooding. On Saturday, trees were uprooted, vehicles swept away, and debris from flood damage was scattered across affected areas.
The report noted that among the 41 missing individuals, 27 were girls who failed to return from their traditional summer camp, which was also destroyed by the floodwaters.
The highest number of casualties was reported from the hilly region of Kerr County. Fatalities have also been confirmed in Travis, Burnet, and Kendall counties. Of the 80 confirmed dead, 21 are children.
State authorities have yet to explain how so many people, including children, went missing from the Christian summer camp along the river in Kerr County. Several bodies have been recovered from the site.
Reports indicated that the Guadalupe River in Texas rose rapidly by 8 meters (26 feet) within just 45 minutes on Friday, erasing homes and vehicles in its path.
Rainfall continued through Saturday, forcing large numbers of residents to flee toward areas outside San Antonio. However, the threat of further rain and flooding remains.
Authorities said the search for the missing is ongoing, using helicopters, boats, and drones to locate individuals trapped in trees or stranded in camps cut off by damaged roads.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged rescue teams to ensure uninterrupted operations and ordered expansion of search efforts to all flood-hit areas. He also declared Sunday a day of prayer for the victims.
