A catastrophic flooding situation unfolded in Central Texas, claiming the lives of at least 80 individuals, with at least 28 being children, as heavy rains overwhelmed the Guadalupe River. Search teams are tirelessly scouring flooded areas, still hoping to locate survivors with dozens reported missing, including ten children from a summer camp.
The floods were triggered by torrential downpours, leading to a rapid rise in river levels. Authorities had issued flood warnings shortly before midnight on Thursday, culminating in urgent calls for residents to seek higher ground as the river swelled alarmingly in a short period.
Concerns have emerged regarding possible staffing shortages at local National Weather Service offices, raising questions about their capacity to effectively engage with emergency management teams. Climate scientists warn that extreme weather phenomena like this are expected to occur more frequently due to climate change and continued fossil fuel use, concluding that communities must prepare for an uncertain future.
