5/7/2025–|Last update: 05:00 (Mecca time)
The local authorities in the US state of Texas said that thunderstorms and heavy rains have caused deadly torrents along the Guadalobi River south of the state, which resulted in at least 13 people and the loss of more than 20 girls from a summer camp.
The US National Meteorological Department declared a state of emergency due to torrents in parts of Kiir Province, after heavy rains of up to 30 centimeters.
Kerville mayor Dalton Rice (provincial headquarters) – for journalists – said that severe floods swept the area before dawn without warning, which prevented the authorities from issuing any evacuation orders.
“This happened very quickly during a very short period of time that could not be predicted, even using the radar,” he added.
The office of the Care County Governor stated that 13 people were found died in “catastrophic floods” in the region.
Searching for missing persons
Dan Patrick, Deputy Governor of Texas, said at a press conference – that the authorities are looking for 23 girls who were missing from more than 700 children who were in a summer camp when flood water swept at about four in the morning local time.
He added that the level of the Guadalobi River rose 8 meters in 45 minutes due to the heavy rains that flooded the area.
The authorities also said that most of the camps are safe, but they could not be evacuated immediately because the high water made the roads not valid for walking.
Rescue teams sent 14 helicopters and dozens of drones over the area, in addition to hundreds of emergency personnel on the ground to carry out rescue operations from trees and water flowing quickly.
“An additional rain is expected in those areas,” Patrick said.
In mid -June, it spent at least 10 people as a result of floods in San Antonio (southern Texas) due to heavy rains.