Everything we know about Texas floods as 20 children still missing
Here's everything we know about the flash floods that have hit Texas, after authorities confirmed 24 people have died and more than 20 children are missing.
As America enjoyed the July 4 celebrations on Friday, hundreds just outside the Texan town of Kerrville were hit by deadly floods.
The flash flooding has swept through Kerr County in Texas, as rescue teams continue to look for survivors.
At around 7.40pm local time today (July 5), the Kerrvile Police Department said in an update that rescue teams will 'continue until we find all our citizens'.
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"Hundreds of first responders are here with resources from throughout the state to help us," they added on Facebook.
"Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones. They are our focus and will remain so."
At least 24 people have lost their lives, while rescue teams are continuing to search for up to 25 children.
Meanwhile, CBS is reporting 237 people have been rescued or evacuated so far in the search rescue efforts.
The flooding has swept away mobile homes, vehicles and holiday cabins, with the latter filled with Americans celebrating Independence Day.
One month’s worth of heavy rain fell in a matter of hours, leading to the Guadalupe River rising to the dangerous level of 26 feet.
A state of emergency has been declared in several counties as a result of the devastating floods.
Who has been impacted?
Rescue teams are working around the clock to find up to 25 children who were among the 750 girls attending the Camp Mystic, a summer camp based just outside of Kerrville.
The camp, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
It has been left without WiFi, power and water following the floods.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick explained that the missing children are not necessarily 'lost', adding: "They could be out of communication."
Jane Ragsdale, the camp director of Heart O'Hills in Kerr County, is one of those to have tragically lost her life from the floods.
"We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful," a statement from the camp states.
The mother of the missing Camp Mystic member Janie Hunt, 9, has also confirmed to CNN that her daughter has died because of the floods.
Why did the Guadalupe River rise so quickly?
While Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said a disaster of such magnitude was unforeseen, Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville, has explained why the Guadalupe River rose so quickly.
He told press: "When you look at the headwaters of the Guadalupe... there's a north and a south fork.
"Since 1987, under normal conditions, if you can call it that, you'll hit water in one of those areas, and those two forks will converge into the Guadalupe, which comes through the city of Kerrville."
Rice continued: "This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted on both of those forks.
"When we got the report, it was about 7 feet or so on the south fork, and within a matter of minutes it was up to 29 feet, and all of that converged at Guadalupe."
What has been the response?
The Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed 14 helicopters and hundreds of emergency workers in response to the floods, while they have also used drones in a bid to aid their efforts.
Col. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, said on Friday: "We brought in over 100 troopers this morning. And they've worked all day, rescues, high water vehicles, boats, rescue divers, seven rescue helicopters with hoist capabilities."
Meanwhile, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott added: "We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset and person and plane, whatever is needed, is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person and ensure everybody involved in this is going to be fully accounted for."
Donald Trump's response
After learning about the floods, President Trump spoke to the press, describing the floods as a 'terrible thing'.
"It looks like some young people have died," Trump said, adding that his administration would work with Abbott to provide aid and support to the state during this extremely difficult time.
First Lady Melania Trump has also been spoken out, penning on Twitter: "My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience."
Further rain is expected in Texas over the coming hours, including around Waco, the Guardian reports.
Topics: Texas, US News, Texas floods
Callum Jones