Death toll rises in US flood disaster: 14 are children

Floodwaters rose to 8 meters in less than an hour on Friday morning. Many people were caught in the flash flood while they were asleep. Authorities announced that 27 children are missing at "Camp Mystic," a Christian youth camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick reported that most of the missing are girls under the age of 12. The camp management announced that it considers all children with whom contact could not be established with their families as missing.

Authorities announced that they have evacuated 850 people to safe areas so far. However, it is stated that the total number of missing persons could be higher, especially due to visitors who came to the region for the holiday.

"WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL OUR WORK IS DONE"

Speaking at a press conference held on Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he had signed an expanded disaster declaration in the state, saying, "This is a rescue operation, not debris removal. Our efforts will continue until we find every victim."

PROMISE OF SUPPORT FROM THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION

While US President Donald Trump stated that they are in coordination with local authorities, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said that President Trump was "devastated" by the loss of life. Noem announced that the federal government would send Coast Guard teams to the region and that they are ready to provide support with all available resources.

NEW RAINFALL CAUSES CONCERN

The National Weather Service (NWS) announced that 5 to 12 cm of rain is expected in the region throughout the weekend, while warning that the amount of precipitation could reach up to 25 cm in some areas. This situation increases the risk of new flooding in areas that have not yet recovered from the effects of the flood.

Authorities in Travis County, located in central Texas, reported that two more people lost their lives due to the flood and 10 people are missing.