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Unspecified number of deaths and missing in Texas flash flood

Local authorities report that flash floods caused by torrential rainfall and thunderstorms along the Guadalupe River, in south-central Texas on Friday killed an unknown number of people, and left many others missing.

Unknown numbers of children were caught in floodwaters which swept across campgrounds.

At a press conference on the disaster, Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stated that "everyone is doing their best to get these children out."

Kelly stated that authorities have preliminary figures on fatalities but refused to release specific numbers until they know more about the extent of the casualties. Local media reported at least six deaths.

After heavy rains of up to one foot, the U.S. National Weather Service has declared a flash flooding emergency in parts of Kerr County located in south-central Texas Hill Country about 65 miles north of San Antonio.

Kerr County Sheriff's Office has reported "catastrophic floods" in the area. This resulted in "confirmed deaths and missing persons."

Dalton Rice, Kerville's city manager, told reporters that the extreme flooding occurred without much or any advance warning. This prevented authorities from issuing evacuation orders.

Rice stated that "this happened very rapidly, in a very brief period of time, which could not have been predicted even by radar." "This occurred in less than two hours."

He said that scattered residential subdivisions and recreational vehicle parks, as well as campgrounds, were the hardest hit.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick stated that he is working with the emergency response team of the state to coordinate the floods.

"Another rainy day is predicted in these areas." Even if it is a light rain, flooding may occur. "There is a continuing threat of possible flash floods from San Antonio to Waco in the next 24-48 hours, in addition to continued risks in West and Central Texas," Patrick wrote in a social media post.

Officials said that the U.S. Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and local authorities were all mobilized to help the local authorities deal with the crisis. Steve Gorman, Los Angeles (Writing and Reporting); Additional reporting by Ismail Shakil, Ottawa; Editing done by Matthew Lewis).

(source: Reuters)