Death toll in Texas flash floods rises as search teams face thunderstorms

At least 78 dead; adequacy of weather forecasts, warning systems to be scrutinized

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KERRVILLE, Texas – Search teams looking for dozens of people still missing after flash floods in central Texas faced the danger of more heavy rain and thunderstorms on July 7, after the disaster killed at least 78 people, including 28 children.

Search teams waded through mud-laden riverbanks and flew over the flood-stricken landscape on the fourth day of the search for survivors after July 4's flash floods.

Most of the deaths were in the riverfront Texas Hill Country town of Kerrville where 68 were killed, including the 28 children, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said.

The Guadalupe River that runs through Kerrville was transformed by pre-dawn torrential downpours into a raging torrent in less than an hour on July 4.

As at late afternoon on July 6, state officials said 10 other flood-related fatalities were confirmed in four neighboring south-central Texas counties, and that 41 other people were still listed as unaccounted for in the disaster beyond Kerr County.

Mr. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, predicted that the death toll would rise further as flood waters receded, and the search gained momentum.

The authorities also warned that continued rainfall – even if lighter than July 4's deluge – could unleash additional flash floods because the landscape was so saturated.