Texas floods: Death toll rises to 82, dozens still missing

The devastating floods that swept through Texas have claimed 82 lives, with dozens still missing, as search efforts continue and officials face increasing scrutiny over evacuation failures in hard-hit areas like Kerr County.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported on Sunday (July 6) that at least 41 individuals remained unaccounted for across the southern state, three days after torrential rains caused widespread destruction. He assured the public that authorities are working tirelessly to locate the missing and warned of further heavy rains expected until Tuesday, which could exacerbate life-threatening flooding.

In Kerr County, Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 bodies have been recovered, including 28 children. Many of the deceased were from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. Leitha stated that 10 more girls and a counselor are still missing, vowing to continue the search until everyone is found.

President Donald Trump extended his condolences to the victims and indicated a potential visit to the affected region on Friday. He affirmed his administration's communication with Governor Abbott, expressing sorrow for the "horrible thing that took place."

The flooding was triggered by the Guadalupe River overflowing its banks after intense rainfall on Friday (July 4), coinciding with the US Independence Day holiday. 

Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, reported additional fatalities in Burnet, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties. Rescuers are actively evacuating more people along the river due to concerns about further surges as rain persists on already saturated ground.

Meanwhile, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was activated on Sunday, deploying resources to Texas first responders following President Trump's major disaster declaration. 

US Coast Guard helicopters and planes are assisting in search and rescue operations. Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, anticipates a further rise in the death toll in the coming days.

However, authorities are facing growing questions regarding the adequacy of warnings issued for an area known to be flood-prone and the overall preparedness measures. 

While several communities along the Guadalupe River were evacuated after repeated National Weather Service warnings, Kerr County residents reportedly received no such alerts.

Concerns have also been raised about the Trump administration's stance on federal emergency aid and climate change research. 

Although President Trump activated FEMA assistance, he has previously suggested phasing out such aid, implying that governors should be more self-reliant in disaster management. When pressed about his intentions to phase out FEMA, Trump deferred the discussion, stating, "we are busy working."

Furthermore, the administration is reportedly scaling back climate change research and analysis, deeming it "politicized and divisive." This move comes despite climate scientists' long-standing warnings that warmer air retains more moisture, leading to more intense storms. 

Former NOAA director Rick Spinrad cautioned that reduced research would lead to less accurate predictions, hindering preparedness for various natural disasters. In February, the Trump administration announced job cuts at NOAA, including meteorologists at the National Weather Service.

Governor Abbott declared Sunday a day of prayer for Texas, urging Texans to pray for the victims, the missing, community recovery, and the safety of first responders. Pope Leo XIV in Rome also offered special prayers for those affected by the disaster, particularly the families who lost children at the summer camp.

Source: Al Jazeera