Multiple Deaths Reported In Texas From Catastrophic Flash Flooding

Catastrophic flooding struck parts of central Texas on Friday morning, leaving at least six people dead and many others missing.

In the Texas Hill Country, up to 10 inches of rain fell in just a few overnight hours, prompting urgent rescue operations.

Emergency crews are still working to rescue those who are unaccounted for, though the exact number of missing remains unclear.

With communication lines down, many residents have turned to Facebook in a desperate search for their loved ones. One woman, unable to reach her daughter, pleaded online for someone to post a list of those who have evacuated.

The county’s chief elected official, Judge Rob Kelly, confirmed the deaths though he is unable to provide specific numbers at this time. He also stressed that officials are working hard to identify the victims.

A Horrifying Ordeal For One Family

Erin Burgess lives in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood, just across the river from the flood zone.

Early Friday morning, around 3:30 a.m., she was woken by thunder. Though it was raining heavily, she didn’t think too much of it.

Within 30 minutes, however, water began rushing into her home through the walls and doors.

Burgess remembers floating and clinging to a tree with her son, waiting for the floodwaters to recede enough so they could reach a neighbor’s house.

Unfortunately, her boyfriend and dog were swept away by the current. Thankfully, they were later reunited.

When asked about how the flooding came so abruptly, Kelly confirmed that they do not have a warning system in place and that they did not know such waters were coming.

At Least 20 Girls Missing From Summer Camp

At least 20 girls are also missing from a summer camp in Hunt, Texas.

Camp Mystic, which is for girls between the ages of 7 and 17, was scheduled to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

The camp is located near the Guadalupe River, which rose rapidly during the abrupt and catastrophic storm. Within just half an hour, it had surged as much as 22 feet, breaking a previous record that had been in place for decades.

Severe Weather Also Seen In New Jersey

Meanwhile, at least three people were killed after powerful thunderstorms swept through central New Jersey. According to a social media post, two men, ages 25 and 75, died when a tree fell on their vehicle while they were driving through the storm.

In response, the city has cancelled its planned Fourth of July celebrations, including the concert, parade, and fireworks display.

Mayor Adrian Mapp said the community is now taking time to regroup and focus its efforts on recovery.