The search and rescue team combed through the flooded area on Saturday with the help of special equipment and helicopters. The terrain is described as very difficult.
27 girls are still missing from a Christian summer camp at Camp Mystic in Kerr, which is located right next to the flooded Guadalupe River. Five young girls from the camp have been confirmed dead, reports Fox News.
At least 43 people have lost their lives in the Kerr area, including 15 children, said the local police at a late press conference on Saturday. At least eight more people have died in neighboring counties, reports AP.
Death toll expected to rise
Several communities were affected and in addition to the camp girls, it is unclear how many other people are missing. The authorities are still working to identify the deceased and warn that the death toll may rise further.
Relatives have published pictures of missing children on the local police's Facebook page over the weekend. The private summer camp had 750 participants.
The camp was completely destroyed, says a 13-year-old girl who was evacuated from there by helicopter in the middle of the night.
The water level of the Guadalupe River rose 7.9 meters in just 45 minutes before dawn. Many campers who were out during the holiday on the US National Day on July 4 are said to have been surprised by the water masses after the sudden downpour in the middle of the night.
Danger not over
Texas Governor Greg Abbot has signed a so-called disaster declaration and all available resources, including the Texas National Guard, have been deployed and around 1,000 people are working on the rescue effort. The federal government is also supporting the local authorities, with helicopters and planes from the coast guard working around the clock.
We will find every single one of them, says the governor about the missing.
The heavy rains and thunderstorms continue over parts of central and southern Texas over the weekend and several new warnings have been issued.
