Camp Mystic Flood:  Heavy rains caused devastating flash floods on the Guadalupe River in Central Texas on Friday, killing at least 24 individuals and leaving scores of others missing, local authorities confirmed. Governor Greg Abbott has issued a state-wide disaster for several counties, including Kerr, Hunt, and Ingram, to expedite emergency support and rescue efforts. The US National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flash flood emergency for sections of Kerr County, some 65 miles northwest of San Antonio, following heavy thunderstorms that dropped nearly one foot of rain in a few hours. Local authorities reported a river gauge near Hunt pegged an amazing 22-foot increase in two hours before breaking at almost 30 feet. "This occurred very suddenly, in a very brief span of time that was impossible to foresee, even with radar," Kerrville's city manager, Dalton Rice, said.

A major concern remains for 23 to 25 girls still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along rain-swollen Guadalupe River. Over 750 kids were in the camp when unexpected floodwaters swept through at 4 a.m. local time on July 4th. “We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, adding that the river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, overwhelming the region. Parents described dramatic reunions at emergency shelters, with some children evacuated by helicopter. “They should have been watching the weather warnings,” Serena Hanor Aldrich said to New York Times, whose two daughters were rescued but expressed frustration with camp management for not acting readily.

Counties Included In Texas Disaster Declaration

Governor Abbott's disaster declaration includes the most affected areas:

• Kerr County
• Hunt County
• Ingram County
• And a few neighboring areas at risk from further rain showers.

The search and rescue efforts include more than 400 response personnel, nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, with rescues continuing overnight. The Texas National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA are supporting local responders in evacuation and recovery efforts.

ALSO READ: Texas Flash Flood: 24 Dead, 23 Children Still Missing From Summer Camp After Guadalupe River Swells

What Residents Should Do Now?

Emergency officials advise residents of affected counties to:
• Avoid flooded roads and low-lying ground.
• Tune into local weather warnings from the National Weather Service.
• Evacuate immediately if ordered to do so.
• Check on neighbors, particularly the elderly and children.
• Use shelters for reunification if forced apart from family.

ALSO READ: US Planning 500% Tariff On India For Purchasing Russian Oil? Jaishankar Responds With Powerful Message | WATCH

Officials advised flash flooding is still a possibility over the next 24 to 48 hours, particularly between San Antonio and Waco, as storms persist. Speaking aboard Air Force One, President Donald Trump said, “We’ll take care of them,” when asked about federal aid for Texas flood victims. Local Independence Day fireworks were canceled across the disaster zone as communities shifted focus to rescue operations and emergency care. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly made a point about the Guadalupe River valley's history of flash floods, "We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States." He went on to say that even with earlier warnings, "We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what's happened here. None whatsoever."