At least 51 dead, 27 girls missing as Texas rescue efforts intensify

THE FLOODING STRUCK AS THE FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND BEGAN

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Rescue teams are racing against time to locate 27 missing girls from a summer camp in Texas, as the death toll from catastrophic flooding in the state climbed to 43, according to officials.

"We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County, including 28 adults and 15 children," said Sheriff Larry Leitha, who also confirmed the evacuation of around 850 people and eight injuries.

The missing children were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian girls' summer camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. Media reports confirmed that four of the missing girls are feared dead, as cited by their families.

River surged by 26 feet

The camp was devastated by flash floods after the river surged by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, following hours of torrential rain late Friday night.