In the United States, the death toll from devastating flash floods in Texas has risen to 80, including 28 children. Search efforts continue for 11 missing girls and a counsellor from Camp Mystic, a summer camp near the Guadalupe River, where torrential rains caused the river to overflow.
The flash floods, which hit on Friday, have severely impacted the Texas Hill Country, with Kerr County, home to the camp, suffering the highest casualties.
Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 people have been found dead in Kerr County, including 28 children.
Additionally, five deaths have been reported in Travis County, three in Burnet County, two in Kendall County, and one each in Tom Green and Williamson Counties.
Co-owner and director of the Camp Mystic Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland has also been confirmed dead, according to a Kerr County official.
As of Sunday, more than 850 people have been rescued, but authorities have not yet determined how many remain unaccounted for across the region.
Rescue operations, aided by the U.S. Coast Guard, continue despite worsening weather conditions, including additional rainfall.
The National Weather Service issued a flood watch for parts of the Hill Country with expected rainfall of up to 10 inches.
Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County, mobilising federal assistance.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott pledged to persist in search efforts until all missing persons are located. Rescue teams continue to navigate challenging terrain, though hope for survivors is fading with each passing day.