A grieving father has issued an emotional statement after his world was turned upside down following the loss of his daughters in the Texas flash floods.
At least 104 people have been killed as a result of flash flooding in central Texas, as rescue teams continue to look for survivors.
The floods have swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, which were being used by 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. This led to a state of emergency being declared in several counties.
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John Lawrence confirmed to Fox News that his twins, Hannah and Rebecca Lawrence, eight, died in flooding at Camp Mystic.
Lawrence told the outlet: "Hanna and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others. We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them.
"But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. Thank you for the love and support.”
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As per ABC News, the twins' grandfather, David Lawrence Jr., said: "It has been an unimaginable time for all of us. Hanna and Rebecca gave their parents John and Lacy and sister Harper, and all in our family, so much joy. They and that joy can never be forgotten."
Hanna and Rebecca's family have said 14-year-old Harper survived the flash flooding.
Camp Mystic, set up in 1926, is for girls above the second grade to build their confidence and independence.
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Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that some 750 girls had been staying at the camp when the floodwaters hit.
Officials said that as of yesterday, ten girls and one camp counselor remain missing, while Camp Mystic is mourning the loss of 27 campers and counselors.
The camp said in a statement: "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls."
Brooke and Blair Harber, 11 and 13, who were staying with their grandparents along the river when the floods hit, are also among those to have lost their lives.
Topics: Texas floods, US News
Callum Jones