**Texas Flooding: At Least 43 Confirmed Dead, Search Intensifies for Missing in Kerr County**
In a devastating turn of events, flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has claimed the lives of at least 43 individuals, including 15 children, as search and rescue efforts continue amid rapidly changing conditions. Authorities are urgently working to locate the missing, with the situation evolving by the hour.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry has confirmed the grim statistics during a press briefing, revealing that among the deceased, 28 adults and 12 adults are pending identification. Hundreds of first responders are on the ground, tirelessly combing through the debris in a desperate attempt to find survivors. The sheriff assured the community that the search will persist until every last person is accounted for.
The flooding struck with alarming speed, rising over 20 feet within just two hours, leaving families and campers in peril as they celebrated the Fourth of July weekend. “This is a massive tragedy,” the sheriff stated, highlighting the unpredictable nature of such natural disasters. Many campers were caught off guard, and authorities are now fielding calls from frantic families searching for their loved ones.
As of now, a dedicated missing persons call center is operational, with officials urging anyone with information about missing individuals to report it immediately. The community is rallying together, with local agencies receiving support from state and federal resources to aid in recovery efforts.
Conditions remain hazardous, with ongoing concerns about contaminated water and power outages affecting hundreds of residents. The city manager emphasized the importance of safety, urging locals to avoid major areas while cleanup efforts are underway.
The next updates on the situation are expected at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Central Time as the community grapples with the aftermath of this catastrophic event. The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated; every moment counts in the search for the missing.