Texas, USA: The death toll from the flash floods that struck Texas, USA, in the early hours of July 4th, has risen to 110. Numerous individuals remain missing. In Kerr County alone, the hardest-hit area by the heavy rains, 161 people are unaccounted for. So far, 19 adults and seven children have not been identified. Rescue operations are challenging due to the persistent threat of rain in the area. Helicopters and surveillance cameras are being utilized in the search efforts. Reports indicate that heavy rainfall is expected in the coming days.
It has been confirmed that 27 girls and staff members participating in a Christian summer camp (Camp Mystic) were among those affected. Five campers and one adult are still missing. An emergency has been declared in New Mexico due to rising water levels. The search for 170 individuals is ongoing.
Criticism is mounting regarding the lack of adequate warnings. Furthermore, concerns have been raised that mass layoffs as part of cost-cutting measures have impacted the functioning of weather departments and flood warnings. There is also criticism against Trump’s policy that natural disasters should be handled by individual states. However, he maintains that the disaster was unpredictable.
