Massive Flash Floods in Texas: Over 100 Dead, Many Missing

Flash floods in Texas over the Fourth of July weekend have left a trail of devastation, with over 100 people dead and many more still missing. The Guadalupe River near San Antonio has been particularly hard-hit, leading to a massive search and rescue operation. In Kerr County, where several summer camps are located, the bodies of 84 people, including 28 children, have been found. The death toll now stands at at least 104 across Central Texas.

Heavy rainfall overnight caused the flooding, catching many residents off guard while they were asleep. The rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, was exacerbated by the dry and compact soil in the Texas Hill Country, which could not absorb the water quickly.

Survivors described the event as a 'pitch-black wall of death,' with no emergency warnings reaching them before the waters surged. Communication gaps, due to power outages and limited cell coverage in rural areas, have been acknowledged by officials.

Efforts are now underway to evaluate the region's emergency alert systems and potentially enhance flood warning protocols. The flooding has destroyed infrastructure, homes, and entire campsites, with volunteers searching for missing individuals along the banks of the Guadalupe River.

Relief efforts have commenced, with President Donald Trump announcing plans to visit the affected area. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Sunday that 41 individuals were officially listed as missing statewide, as local authorities face tough questions about the timing of flood alerts.

As the region grapples with the aftermath of the catastrophic flash floods, the community is coming together to support those impacted and begin the long process of recovery and rebuilding.