VIDEO. Texas: Devastating floods leave at least 24 dead and more than 20 missing

A previous report indicated that at least 13 people were dead, including children, and about 20 were missing in the flash flooding of the Guadalupe River, northwest of San Antonio. "Children are still missing," the sheriff added, specifying that between 23 and 25 people had not yet been found. Authorities are particularly concerned about the fate of some 750 children who were attending a girls' summer camp on the banks of the river.

"This does not mean they are among the victims, they could be in a tree or without communications," Texas Deputy Governor Dan Patrick had previously indicated at a press conference. The deputy governor read to the press a message from the camp director saying they had suffered "catastrophic flooding" and had "no electricity, no water, no Wi-Fi." According to authorities, the level of the Guadalupe River, which runs through the area, rose by about eight meters in 45 minutes during which "nearly 300 millimeters/hour" of rain fell, or a third of the county's average annual rainfall.

Videos shared on social media showed homes and trees swept away by the floodwaters. US President Donald Trump said he was "shocked" by the "terrible flooding." Kerr County official Rob Kelly emphasized the sudden nature of the flooding, which occurred around 4 a.m. in a region accustomed to such events. "We have flooding all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States," he said. But "we had no reason to believe it was going to be anything like what happened." Texas Governor Greg Abbott shared a video on X-rated social media showing a rescuer hanging from a helicopter above rushing waters and rescuing a person from a treetop.

“Air rescue missions like this are conducted around the clock. We will not stop until everyone is accounted for,” said Greg Abbott. About 500 rescuers and 14 helicopters were deployed, while the Texas National Guard and the Coast Guard sent reinforcements. “We had a hard time getting to the scene because of the weather,” said Texas Public Safety Director Freeman Martin. “But during the day it calmed down and we were able to do more rescues and searches,” he added, adding that operations would continue Saturday. “The rain has let up, but we know another wave is coming,” warned Texas Public Safety Director Freeman Martin.