KLIK SAJA - A major search and rescue operation continues overnight in Texas after flash floods claimed at least 24 lives and left many young girls missing from a summer camp.
The floods struck with little warning as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (7.9 meters) in less than an hour.
The surge swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and vacation cabins where people were spending the Fourth of July weekend.
Rescue teams are still searching for up to 25 girls among the 750 participants of Camp Mystic, located on the outskirts of Kerrville, approximately 104 km northwest of San Antonio.
A state of emergency has been declared in several areas where roads have been washed away and telephone lines are down.
U.S. President Donald Trump described the tragedy as "shocking" and "horrific," while the White House has pledged additional aid.
Images show deep floodwaters submerging bridges and torrents of fast-moving water rushing through streets.
Local eyewitnesses recounted the moment the floodwaters tore through a recreational vehicle (RV) park in Kerrville.
Thousands of residents in Kerrville are now being evacuated to safer locations.
Local officials stated that search and rescue operations involving helicopters, drones, and boats would continue until everyone is accounted for.
Camp representatives said they were without power, water, or Wi-Fi. “The highway has been washed out, so we're struggling to get additional help,” they added.
On Friday morning, the flash flooding prompted disaster declarations for the Hill Country and Concho Valley regions.
Kerr County’s top official, Judge Rob Kelly, was asked at a press conference why camps along the Guadalupe River were not evacuated in advance.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew a flood of this magnitude was about to happen,” Kelly said.
