Rescue teams are still searching for 10 children and one camp counselor missing from a girls’ summer camp
A desperate search for at least 10 children campers continued into Sunday, after devastating floods killed at least 82 people in central Texas.
The group of girls and one counselor are missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River that was ravaged by the floods, officials said.
At least four girls missing from the summer camp were found dead. At least 28 children were killed in what Texas GOP Congressman Chip Roy called a “once-in-a-century flood.”
Two girls — 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke — were among those killed by the floods, their father told CNN on Saturday night. Harber said Blair “was a gifted student and had a generous, kind heart,” and described Brooke as “like a light in any room, people gravitated to her”.
The unexpected flash flooding struck on Friday after torrential rain along the Guadalupe River. The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn on Friday washed out homes and swept away vehicles.
Further threat of flash floods with more rain expected today
The National Weather Service has issued another flood watch over central Texas, warning that isolated rainfall could reach up to 10 inches on Monday.
The agency’s Austin/San Antonio branch warned of further threats of flash flooding with an increase in rainfall and storms expected overnight near the I-35 corridor and eastern Hill Country.
Additional heavy rainfall in the “hardest hit areas of the past few days will lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding,” the NWS added.
‘God bless Texas’: Noem says federal resources are being deployed to the state
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who visited Texas on Saturday, thanked the president after he signed a major disaster declaration, which offered federal assistance to the state.
“We are currently deploying federal emergency management resources to Texas first responders, and will work closely with state and local authorities to ensure the people of Texas get the support they need as search efforts continue and recovery begins,” Noem said on Sunday evening.
“Pray for the victims, the families, and our first responders. God bless Texas.”
Former presidents offer condolences after deadly Texas floods
Former President Barack Obama called the disaster “heartbreaking” in a statement shared on social media Sunday.
“The flash flooding in Central Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle and I are praying for everyone who has lost a loved one or is waiting for news — especially the parents. And we’re grateful to the first responders and rescue teams working around the clock to help,” the statement read.
Former President George W. Bush — also the former governor of Texas — similarly offered his condolences to those affected by the flooding in a statement Sunday.
“On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling. Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know,” he said.
“We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will.”
WATCH: Rescuers search around Camp Mystic for survivors of Texas flash floods
Rescue efforts continue after 70 died in floods after ‘wall of water’ threatens area
Three days after flash floods first ravaged south-central Texas and claimed more than 70 lives, local officials are still searching for 10 missing campers as another “wall of water” heads to the area.
Here’s the full story.
At least 70 have died after flooding in Texas – as officials warn ‘wall of water’
Former Camp Mystic camper is now covering the flood aftermath
CNN anchor Pamela Brown attended Camp Mystic 30 years ago — now she’s covering the tragedy.
“That river was the source of so much joy and fun for us,” Brown said on the job.
“To think that that same river is the source of this devastation,” she added. “It’s just hard to wrap my head around.”
Updated death toll
The Associated Press has reported that 82 people have now died after flash floods in central Texas.
10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remains missing.
Everything we know about Texas flooding victims
The identities of the 79 flood victims are still being determined and released to the public. Here’s what we know about the victims so far.
Ariana Baio and Katie Hawkinson have the story.
Texas flood victims: Everything we know
