A truck got stuck on a tree after flash floods hit the bank of the Guadalupe River on Saturday. Getty Images
Severe flooding has claimed at least 82 lives in Central Texas. The area, often called "Flash Flood Alley," faced heavy rainfall that caused sudden and powerful floods. The water moved quickly through towns, washing away roads, homes, and vehicles.
Rescue crews have been working day and night. Many people are still missing, including 10 girls from a summer camp near the Guadalupe River.
Children Among the Victims
Authorities confirmed that 28 of the dead are children. The number may rise as crews search through damaged areas. Families are gathering at shelters and local centers, hoping for updates about their loved ones.
Search teams continue to go door-to-door. Boats, helicopters, and drones are being used to find missing people. Rescue efforts have been difficult due to high water and dangerous conditions.
Rescue teams are looking for missing people near Camp Mystic by the Guadalupe River. AP
Concerns Over Evacuation Warnings
Many people are asking why evacuation orders didn’t come earlier. Some say they had little or no warning before the floodwaters reached their homes.
Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice spoke at a press briefing. He said the city and state officials will review everything that happened. “We are committed to a full review of this disaster,” he said. “We will take clear steps to strengthen our future preparedness.”
Flood Alerts Still Active
Weather experts say the danger is not over. More rain may fall, and flood watches will stay in place through the night. Roads remain closed in many places, and power outages are widespread.
Authorities ask everyone in flood-prone areas to stay alert. People are urged to follow warnings, avoid driving through flooded streets, and move to higher ground if needed.
Help for the Affected
Teams are setting up emergency shelters for people who lost their homes. Food, water, and medical care are being provided. Volunteers have stepped in to help comfort families and assist with clean-up efforts.
Local officials thanked first responders, volunteers, and medical staff for their hard work. They also urged the public to stay calm and allow emergency crews to do their jobs.
Sergio Sanchez helps with search efforts, walking through debris by the Guadalupe River in Center Point, Texas. Getty Images
Trump Declares Major Disaster
Former President Donald Trump has declared the floods a major disaster. This move brings federal aid to the state. It helps fund emergency repairs, shelters, and recovery efforts for families and communities that were hit the hardest.
What Happens Next?
Search efforts will continue into the evening and possibly for days. Officials say the focus now is on finding survivors and keeping people safe.
The full damage is still unknown. But for many families, the tragedy is already clear. As the region begins to recover, leaders promise stronger safety steps in the future.
