(The Center Square) – At least 24 people are dead and dozens remain missing after flash floods overwhelmed communities along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country.
Search and rescues teams continue to look for about 25 girls from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, where they were attending an an all-girls private Christian camp.
More than a foot of rain hit the region into Friday morning, leading to “catastrophic flooding,” according to the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office.More rain is expected in the region Saturday and Sunday, according to the National Weather Service.
Video posted to social media show helicopters lifting survivors from heavily flooded areas. Authorities said more than 230 people had been rescued as of Friday night.
The Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard were deployed to help with the search and rescue efforts.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency for 15 counties, and more could be added to the llst.
“This is a time when we, as a state, need God more than ever,” Abbott said in a statement. “The one thing I hear the most are the prayers that are being sent for those who are in harm’s way. There is an extraordinary collaboration to make sure that we address everybody’s concern as quickly as possible. As part of this, I am signing a disaster declaration to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”
Abbott’s emergency declaration includes the counties of Bandera, Coke, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba and Tom Green.
“The Red Cross is assisting with reunification after this devastating flood. If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767,” the Kerr Country Sherrif’s Office said.
Reunification centers are set up at Ingram Elementary School, 125 Brave Run W, Ingram, and The Arcadia Live Theater, 717 Water St, Kerrville.
