Texas floods: Death toll rises to 27, search operation for missing persons ongoing

WASHINGTON: The death toll from the devastating floods triggered by heavy rains in Texas, USA, has risen to 27, including nine children. The victims were part of a summer camp near the Guadalupe River, where 27 girls were swept away by strong currents and went missing. The severe flooding occurred in the early hours in the northwestern region of San Antonio, Texas.

According to reports, the tragedy occurred after the Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose by 29 feet within just an hour of heavy rainfall. Authorities have intensified search operations for the missing individuals. Around 1,000 people have been evacuated from the area. Local officials stated that there had been no prior flood warnings for the region.

Videos showing homes and trees being washed away by the floodwaters have already gone viral on social media. Officials have warned of the potential for further damage in the coming days as more rain is expected. So far, 237 people have been rescued.

According to U.S. media reports, rescue trucks began arriving at the campsite from Friday evening to evacuate those stranded. Large-scale rescue operations are underway to locate the missing girls, involving nearly 500 rescue personnel, 14 helicopters, and trained swimmers deployed across the affected areas.