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France 24
3 hours ago
- Climate
- France 24
Texas floods: How geography, climate and policy failures collided
The Texas flash floods this weekend that left scores dead, including many children, offer a stark illustration. Here is a look at the intertwined forces that amplified this storm's impact. 'Flash Flood Alley' Texas's Hill Country sits in an area known as "Flash Flood Alley," explains Hatim Sharif, a hydrologist at the University of Texas at San Antonio. Warm Gulf air rushes up the Balcones Escarpment -- a line of steep hills and cliffs that arcs southwest down from near Dallas -- cools, and dumps torrents onto thin soils that quickly give way to bedrock. Runoff then funnels through a dense web of creeks. "Water will rise very, very quickly, within minutes or a few hours," Sharif told AFP. The early hours of July 4 proved that. Around 3:00 am, a gauge near Camp Mystic in Hunt showed the Guadalupe River rising nearly a foot (30 centimeters) every five minutes; by 4:30 am the river had surged more than 20 feet, National Weather Service data show. That's enough water to sweep away people, vehicles and buildings. An urgent NWS warning went out shortly after 1:00 am, but most campers were asleep; phones are banned, coverage is patchy, and darkness makes escape routes hard to judge. Sharif urges the use of hydrologic forecasts that convert rainfall into likely river levels. "Rainfall needs to be translated into runoff," he said. "If you have 10 inches, what will happen?" Summer camps have long been drawn to the region for its natural beauty. But with increasing risks, Sharif warns that treating these sites as safe or permanent is unwise. 'We need to adapt' A warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, loading the dice for heavier downpours. A new analysis by ClimaMeter finds that the meteorological conditions preceding the floods, which delivered more than twice the monthly average rainfall in a single day, could not be explained by natural variability alone. "Climate change is already affecting us, so we need to adapt," said Mireia Ginesta, a climate scientist at the University of Oxford who co-authored the research, which is funded by the European Union and the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS). "We also need to cut our emissions, and make sure that proper funding is provided to the forecast services and research in general on climate change." The call comes as the National Weather Service, like other agencies, has experienced deep staffing cuts under President Donald Trump's administration. Experts stress, however, that NWS forecasters performed admirably under the circumstances. The real failure, wrote climate scientist Daniel Swain on Bluesky, "was not a bad weather prediction, it was one of 'last mile' forecast/warning dissemination." No warning system For years, commissioners in Kerr County, where the camps lie, considered flood sirens and digital alerts to replace the informal practice of summer camp staff getting on the radio and warning fellow camps. Minutes from a 2016 meeting show officials labeling even a feasibility study "a little extravagant," suggesting sirens would mainly help tourists, and vouching for the word-of-mouth system. The debate rolled on. In 2021, commissioners again balked, this time wary of federal funds tied to the Biden administration that they opposed politically. After the disaster, San Antonio mother Nicole Wilson -- who almost sent her daughters to Camp Mystic -- launched a petition on urging Governor Greg Abbott to approve a modern warning network. "Five minutes of that siren going off could have saved every single one of those children," she told AFP.
Al Etihad
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Etihad
Youth camp confirms 27 dead as Texas flood toll passes 90
7 July 2025 23:16 Hunt (AFP) Rescuers in Texas searched on Monday for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed more than 90 people, including 27 girls and counselors at a summer camp destroyed by torrents of United States was shocked at the disaster over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned of more flooding as rain falls on saturated ground."Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," Camp Mystic said in a statement confirming the 27 deaths at the all-girls camp, located next to a White House on Monday put the overall number of dead from the flooding at 91, while Texas Senator Ted Cruz told reporters that the toll was continuing to rise."Texas is grieving right now -- the pain, the shock of what has transpired these last few days has broken the heart of our state," Cruz told reporters."The children, little girls, who were lost at Camp Mystic, that's every parent's nightmare."Camps are a beloved tradition in the long US summer holidays, with children often staying in woods, parks and other rural described them as a chance to make "lifetime friends -- and then suddenly it turns to tragedy."Trump has described the floods in the early hours of Friday as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected."The president, who previously said disaster relief should be handled at the state level, has signed a major disaster declaration, activating fresh federal funds and freeing up resources. 'Flash Flood Alley' Helicopters and boats were taking part in the grim search across an area popular with tourists as well as summer Mystic was a camp where about 750 people had been staying when the floodwaters a terrifying display of nature's power, the rain-swollen waters of the Guadalupe River reached treetops and the roofs of cabins as girls at the camp teddy bears and other belongings were caked in mud. Windows in the cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the worth of rain fell in a matter of hours on Thursday night into Friday, and rain has continued in bouts since Guadalupe surged around 26 feet -- more than a two-story building -- in just 45 minutes. Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual in this region of south and central Texas, known colloquially as "Flash Flood Alley."
Observer
7 hours ago
- Climate
- Observer
Desperate search for the missing as more than 80 people dead in Texas floods
Rescuers in Texas raced against time to find dozens of missing people, including children, swept away by flash floods that killed more than 80 people, with forecasters warning of new deluges. US President Donald Trump said he would "probably" visit the southern state on Friday. T rump brushed off concerns his administration's wide-ranging cuts to weather forecasting and related federal agencies had left local warning systems worse off. Instead, he described the flash floods as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected." At least 40 adults and 28 children were killed in the worst-hit Kerr County in central Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha said Sunday, while nearby areas showed at least 13 more people were killed by flooding. "Across the state, in all the areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing," Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Sunday. As questions grew about why warnings did not come sooner or people were not evacuated earlier in the area popular with campers, Trump said the situation was a "Biden setup." "That was not our setup," Trump told reporters on Sunday, adding that he would "not" hire back meteorologists when probed about staff and budget cuts at the National Weather Service (NWS). Asked about whether he would change his plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency, he responded: "FEMA is something we can talk about later." Trump, who previously said disaster relief should be handled at the state-level, also signed a major disaster declaration, activating FEMA and freeing up resources for Texas. Around 17 helicopters joined the search in central Texas for missing people, including 10 girls and a counselor from a riverside Christian summer camp where about 750 people had been staying when disaster struck. In a terrifying display of nature's power, the rain-swollen waters of the Guadalupe River reached treetops and the roofs of cabins in Camp Mystic as girls slept overnight Friday, washing away some of them and leaving a scene of devastation. Blankets, teddy bears and other belongings at the camp were caked in mud. Windows in the cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Sunday that slow-moving thunderstorms threatened more flash floods over the saturated ground of central Texas. Governor Abbott warned that heavy rainfall could "lead to potential flash flooding" in Kerrville and surrounding areas, as officials cautioned people against going near the swollen river and its creeks. The flooding began at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours, much of it coming overnight as people slept. The Guadalupe surged around 26 feet (eight meters) -- more than a two-story building -- in just 45 minutes. Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual in this region of south and central Texas, known colloquially as "Flash Flood Alley." Human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense in recent years. Officials said while rescue operations were ongoing, they were also starting the process of debris removal. "There's debris all over the place that makes roads impassable, that makes reconstruction projects unachievable," Abbott said. People from elsewhere in the state converged on Kerr County to help look for the missing. Texans also started flying personal drones to help look but local officials urged them to stop, citing a danger for rescue aircraft. One of the searches focused on four young women who were staying in a house that was washed away by the river. Adam Durda and his wife Amber, both 45, drove three hours to help. "There was a group of 20-year-olds that were in a house that had gotten washed away," Durda told AFP. "That's who the family requested help for, but of course, we're looking for anybody." Justin Morales, 36, was part of a search team that found three bodies, including that of a Camp Mystic girl caught up in a tree. "We're happy to give a family closure and hopefully we can keep looking and find some of the... you know, whoever," he told AFP. "Help give some of those families closure. That's why we're out here."
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Youth camp confirms 27 dead as Texas flood toll nears 90
HUNT: Rescuers in Texas searched Monday for bodies swept away by flash floods that killed almost 90 people, including 27 girls and counselors at a summer camp that was destroyed by torrents of water. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The United States was shocked at the disaster over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and forecasters warned of more flooding as rain falls on saturated ground. "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," Camp Mystic said in a statement confirming the 27 deaths at the all-girls camp that was located next to a river. State officials on Monday put the overall number of dead from the flooding at 88, and Texas Senator Ted Cruz told reporters that the toll was continuing to rise. "Texas is grieving right now -- the pain, the shock of what has transpired these last few days has broken the heart of our state," Cruz told reporters. "The children, little girls, who were lost at Camp Mystic, that's every parent's nightmare." Camps are a beloved tradition in the long US summer holidays, with children often staying in woods, parks and other rural areas. Cruz described them as a chance to make "lifetime friends -- and then suddenly it turns to tragedy." President Donald Trump has said he may visit Texas later this week, but brushed off concerns his cuts to weather forecasting and related federal agencies had weakened warning systems. Instead, he described the floods in the early hours of Friday as a "100-year catastrophe" that "nobody expected." Grim search Trump, who previously said disaster relief should be handled at the state level, signed a major disaster declaration, activating fresh federal funds and freeing up resources. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Helicopters and boats were taking part in the search across an area popular with tourists as well as summer camps. Camp Mystic was an all-girl Christian camp where about 750 people had been staying when the floodwaters struck. In a terrifying display of nature's power, the rain-swollen waters of the Guadalupe River reached treetops and the roofs of cabins as girls at the camp slept. Blankets, teddy bears and other belongings were caked in mud. Windows in the cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water. "We've recovered 75 deceased bodies here in Kerr County, including 48 adults and 27 children," County Sheriff Larry Leitha told reporters Monday. At least 13 other deaths were confirmed in the state. Texas Governor Greg Abbott warned that more heavy rainfall could bring further flooding, as officials cautioned people to avoid still-raging rivers. 'Flash Flood Alley' Months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours on Thursday night into Friday, and rain has continued in bouts since then. The Guadalupe surged around 26 feet (eight meters) -- more than a two-story building -- in just 45 minutes. Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual in this region of south and central Texas, known colloquially as "Flash Flood Alley." Human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense in recent years. "There's debris all over the place that makes roads impassable, that makes reconstruction projects unachievable," Abbott said. People from elsewhere in the state converged on Kerr County to help look for the missing. Some residents also flew personal drones to help look, but officials urged them to stop, citing a danger to rescue aircraft.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Climate
- Time of India
Texas Floods: How to help in search and rescue efforts and where to make donations? Details here
Texas floods have been a cause of concern for several people for some days. Flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country early Friday, July 4, 2025, catching residents off guard during the holiday weekend. The Guadalupe River quickly overflowed after intense rainfall, rising over 9 metres and submerging neighborhoods, especially in Kerr County. Emergency teams are responding, and multiple relief efforts have been launched to support affected communities. Here's how you can help affected communities. Texas Floods Early on Friday, heavy rains caused severe flash floods in Texas Hill Country, a region that covers central and southern Texas. The flooding occurred in the early morning while many residents were still asleep. The Guadalupe River overflowed in less than two hours, rising over 9 metres. Drone footage from Saturday showed entire neighbourhoods underwater. Texas Floods: What is Flash Flood Alley? Flash floods happen when rain falls too quickly for the ground to absorb it. Central Texas is known as 'flash flood alley' because of its geography and frequent rainfall. On July 4, fast-moving rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to breach its banks. The water rose higher than two-storey buildings in some places. Live Events Also Read: Texas Flooding Live Updates: Does Kerr County have a river warning system?See flash flood warnings, rainfall forecast Texas Floods: Kerr County Worst Affected Kerr County was the most affected area. The county, which has over 52,000 residents, is located on the Edwards Plateau. The flooding came during the Independence Day holiday, increasing risk for residents and travelers. Kerr County is known for outdoor sites and cultural spots, including the Museum of Western Art. Texas Floods: Guadalupe River Floods History This is not the first time the Guadalupe River has flooded. Previous floods occurred in 1936, 1952, 1972, 1973, 1978, 1987, 1991, and 1997. In July 1987, flooding from the river claimed the lives of 10 teenagers at Pot O' Gold Christian Camp. The current river levels have now passed the 1987 flood mark, according to the National Weather Service. Also Read: Ozzy Osbourne Farewell Concert: Where will Black Sabbath band perform again? Here are shocking details Texas Floods: How to Help in Search and Rescue Efforts and Where to Make Donations TEXSAR, a volunteer rescue team from Austin, is helping in Kerr County. The United Cajun Navy is also assisting with rescue, supply delivery, and recovery operations. Here's how you can help. Authorities have asked the public not to self-deploy for search missions. Trained professionals are conducting search and recovery operations. Unauthorized volunteers, drones, or boats may interfere and cause danger. To volunteer officially, contact 830-465-4797 or visit Texas Community Recovery. A volunteer center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 855 Hays Street, Kerrville. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has launched the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Funds will go to approved rescue and recovery organizations. The Salvation Army's Kerrville Kroc Center is collecting donations of non-perishables, hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and baby wipes. Items can be dropped off at 855 Hays Street, Kerrville. Southern Oaks Church is collecting gift cards and monetary donations for families. Supplies can be dropped off from 1-5 p.m. at 122 N Valley View Drive in Kerrville. Kerrville Pets Alive is working on animal rescue. Donations to the group are welcomed. The American Red Cross has opened shelters in affected regions. Donations can be made at or by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW. GoFundMe has published a list of verified fundraising pages for impacted individuals and families. In Robertson County, the Sheriff's Office, Back the Blue Café, and Henry Prairie Baptist Church are collecting water and snacks. Rudder FFA (Bryan), a student group, isaccepting cleaning and baby items. Brenham FFA & SkillsUSA, another student group, is accepting gift cards for H-E-B, Walmart, Lowe's, and Home Depot. FAQs What caused the Texas Hill Country floods on July 4? Heavy rain in a short time caused the Guadalupe River to overflow. The ground could not absorb the water, leading to flash flooding. Where can I donate for Kerr County flood relief? You can donate through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, the Red Cross, or verified GoFundMe pages. Supplies can be dropped off at designated sites in Kerrville. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
