A devastating flash flood that caught Texas off guard

GUADALUPE RIVER ROSE TO A STAGGERING 26 FEET IN JUST 45 MINUTES

- BY STEPHEN N. R.

A devastating flash flood that struck in the dead of night on July 4 has left at least 80 people dead, including 28 children, across six counties in Texas with officials admitting they were caught off guard by the scale and suddenness of the disaster.

The worst-hit was Kerr County, where 68 people lost their lives after intense rains battered the Texas Hill Country in the early hours of Friday. Among the missing are at least 10 young campers and a counsellor from the girls-only Camp Mystic, local officials said.

“This came at night when people were asleep,” said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring. “There was no time to respond.”

The nation was shocked at the disaster over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned that thunderstorms threatened more flooding over saturated ground.

“Camp Mystic is grieving the loss of 27 campers and counsellors following the catastrophic flooding,” the camp said. “Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy.”

Trump may visit Texas