Desperate Search Continues for Missing Girls Amid Texas Flooding Disaster

The search is ongoing for at least 20 girls who remain missing after sudden and catastrophic flooding caused by heavy rains in Kerr County, Texas. At least 13 fatalities have been confirmed, with authorities warning the death toll may rise as they continue their rescue efforts in the impacted areas. Following severe weather conditions, the Guadalupe River experienced a dramatic rise in water level, leading to emergency declarations in parts of the region. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the alarming situation, stating the number of deceased had increased from six to 13 as of the latest reports. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued multiple flash flood warnings for several counties surrounding San Antonio, including Kerr and Gillespie, advising residents to avoid travel and stay away from flooded areas. The local sheriff's office has acknowledged the fatalities on their social media platforms but has declined to provide specific numbers pending notifications to family members. They emphasized that both local and state agencies are actively engaged in rescue operations amidst the devastating flooding. Residents living near creeks, rivers, and the Guadalupe River have been urged to seek higher ground immediately to ensure their safety. The river near Hunt saw an alarming surge, ballooning from approximately 2 meters early this morning to nearly 9 meters just hours later due to relentless rain. The NWS has cautioned that a significant and dangerous wave of flooding is heading downstream on the Guadalupe River, as per reports from major news outlets like CNN. Intense rainfall has been affecting the central-southern Texas region since Thursday night, prompting Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. to issue a disaster declaration. Adding to the concerns, the weather office in nearby San Angelo has reported lifethreatening conditions as well, warning residents to refrain from traveling due to rapidly flooding roads and escalating water levels in rivers and creeks. Local media reports indicate that some areas in this part of Texas have received as much rainfall in a few hours as would normally accumulate over an entire summer. Forecasters predict that the storms are likely to persist through Friday afternoon before eventually tapering off, which could lead to further complications in an already harrowing situation. As the region grapples with this disaster, the search for the missing girls and efforts to ensure community safety are at the forefront of the ongoing emergency response. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2