TEXAS: The death toll from the flash floods that have ravaged the U.S. state of Texas has climbed to 110. Reports indicate that hundreds of people are still missing. In Kerr County alone, the area most severely affected by the floods, 161 individuals remain unaccounted for. Among the identified deceased are 19 adults and 7 children.
Rescue operations are currently facing significant challenges due to persistent heavy rainfall in the region. Helicopters and surveillance cameras are being utilized in the ongoing search for the missing. Weather forecasts predict that heavy rain will continue in the coming days.
It has been confirmed that 27 girls and staff members attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp, were caught in the floodwaters. As of now, five campers and one adult staff member from the camp are still missing. The severe rise in water levels has led to the declaration of a state of emergency in neighboring New Mexico. The search for over 170 people across the affected areas is ongoing.
Serious criticisms have emerged regarding an alleged failure to provide accurate and timely warnings about the natural disaster. Furthermore, there are accusations that mass layoffs, implemented as part of cost-cutting measures, have adversely impacted the operations of weather departments and their ability to issue effective flood warnings. President Trump’s policy, advocating that individual states should handle natural disasters themselves, is also drawing criticism in light of the unfolding tragedy.
