At least 24 dead after flash flood in Texas

Torrential rains fell in an extremely short period of time: Thunderstorms unleashed extremely heavy amounts of precipitation on Friday in Kerr County, Texas, in the southern United States . The result: The Guadalupe River swelled. According to Texas authorities, the water level rose by eight meters within 45 minutes. A flash flood swept through the valley.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that at least 24 people died. Authorities also said a campsite, which included a summer camp for children, was flooded. More than 20 girls from the camp are still missing.

Chief Executive: "Most dangerous river valley in the USA"

County Executive Rob Kelly emphasized that flash floods are common in the area, in what he calls "the most dangerous river valley in the United States," but said the flooding was unexpected.

Dalton Rice, city manager of the county seat of Kerrville, told reporters that the extreme flooding occurred before sunrise and without warning. Authorities were unable to order an evacuation. "Everything happened very quickly, in a very short period of time that could not have been predicted, not even with radar," Rice said.

The U.S. National Weather Service declared a flood emergency for parts of Kerr County in the Texas Hill Country, about 105 km northwest of San Antonio. Approximately 500 rescue personnel and 14 helicopters were deployed, with the Texas National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard also participating.

Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, warned of "another flood" approaching. Residents in the area were urged to seek higher ground. Central points of contact were established.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged the support of "all available forces." He declared a state of emergency for parts of Texas to mobilize additional resources.

More than 230 people have already been rescued, according to authorities. The search for missing people continues, Abbott said at a press conference on Friday evening (local time). "We won't stop until we find everyone," the governor assured.

Bodies found in cars

According to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, the dead include adults and children. Some bodies were found in cars that had been washed away. The situation is unclear, with no electricity or internet.

Kerr County is popular for summer camps. Many people in the USA take advantage of the long Independence Day weekend for outings. In Texas, at least ten people were killed in a flash flood in San Antonio, southeast of Kerr, in mid-June.

AR/pgr (rtr, afp, dpa)