Latest news with #MajorDisaster
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Who were Harber sisters? Teenagers killed in Texas floods found with their ‘hands locked together'
Two sisters, Blair, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were found dead with rosaries and their 'hands locked together' in tragic discovery after Texas Hill Country floods, reported Newsweek, citing their families. Harber family's GoFundMe shows Blair, 13, and Brooke, 11, in the center. (GoFundMe) As flash floods ravaged central Texas on Friday, The Associated Press reported that around 80 people were killed while several remain missing. Flooding occurred after the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 to 26 feet in 90 minutes, resulting in extensive destruction and mass evacuations. What we know about Harber sisters In a statement posted on a GoFundMe page, their aunt Jennifer said that the Harber sisters died during a family vacation at Casa Bonita, a gated enclave in Hunt, Texas. 'RJ and Annie's daughters, Brooke (11) and Blair (13), were with their beloved grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, when they tragically lost their lives in the devastating floodwaters in Hunt, Texas. The family is now facing an unimaginable loss and a very long road ahead,' the page says. Both the girls had been residing with their grandparents, Charlene and Mike Harber, who remain unaccounted for. Their parents RJ and Annie were lodging in a different cabin close by. Around 3:30 in the morning, they got up to the sound of rushing water and attempted to break a window to get to their daughters, but the water current did not let them reach them. Brooke Harber texted dad, maternal grandparents before Texas tragedy In the GoFundMe, Jennifer stated that Brooke Harber sent messages to her father and her maternal grandparents around three in the morning, stating, 'I love you.' The sisters were discovered 15 miles away in Kerrville. 'Their hands were locked together when they were found,' the GoFundMe states, describing the tragedy as a 'nightmare.' Also Read: Melania Trump's Texas floods post sparks outrage as she offers just two things to victims; 'You and your husband…' Trump approves 'Major Disaster Declaration' for Kerr County Taking to X on Saturday, Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz stated: 'Heidi and I continue to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement. Please stay safe.' President Donald Trump authorized Kerr County a 'Major Disaster Declaration' on Sunday, opening the door for federal funding for rescue and recovery efforts. In the middle of the flood debris, multiple local, state, and federal agencies continue to conduct search and rescue operations. Texas flash floods have killed at least 82 people and left others, including girls at a summer camp, missing. As officials face questions about their readiness and the haste of their early response, the destruction along the Guadalupe River, west of San Antonio, has prompted a large search operation.
Newsweek
5 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Texas Flooding Map, Update: Thousands Face New Flash Flood Risk
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A flood watch issued for parts of Texas has been extended into Monday evening, leaving thousands at risk. The National Weather Service San Angelo office said on Sunday that flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall could occur in Heartland, portions of Concho Valley, Edwards Plateau and Hill Country until 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Why It Matters Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country. At least 80 people have been killed in the floods while others remain missing or displaced and more than 850 people required rescuing. The NWS has had multiple flood warnings in place across Texas but most of them were in place until Monday morning. This new update means some areas remain at risk on Monday. What To Know NWS San Angelo has forecast that showers and thunderstorms will redevelop by Monday morning, before spreading west. Pockets of heavy rainfall in short periods of time are expected with an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain likely. Some totals could exceed 5 inches which will "quickly lead to flooding," said the NWS. This principally concerns west central Texas including the counties Brown, Coke, Coleman, Concho, Kimble, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Runnels, San Saba, Schleicher and Tom Green. For the San Saba River, including San Saba, minor flooding is forecast. A flood warning is in effect until Tuesday evening. People in the affected areas have been warned to never drive onto roadways covered in water and to never attempt to walk, swim or drive through flowing floodwaters. National Weather Service map showing areas of Texas covered by an extended flood watch. National Weather Service map showing areas of Texas covered by an extended flood watch. NWS President Donald Trump on Sunday approved a "Major Disaster Declaration" for Kerr County, unlocking federal assistance for rescue and recovery operations. The declaration provides federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This is the second time this year that there has been such a declaration in Texas, after severe storms and flooding in March. What People Are Saying President Donald Trump's Sunday Truth Social message: "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" Avi Santos, 23, a civilian from San Antonio, Texas, wades the water at the Guadalupe River as he helps in the recovery effort near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Sunday,... Avi Santos, 23, a civilian from San Antonio, Texas, wades the water at the Guadalupe River as he helps in the recovery effort near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. More AP Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on July 5: "Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines." What Happens Next Search and rescue operations will continue across the state, while meteorologists will continue to monitor weather developments and any further risks.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Walthall County tornado victims still waiting for federal help
WALTHALL COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – Two powerful tornadoes tore through Walthall County in March, damaging or destroying more than 100 homes. Residents are still waiting for federal assistance. 'Every road that I have been able to get from my home site to even the house that we're being lent, you've got debris everywhere. I mean, it's not just in my area. It's all the way around the community. It's hard because I get away from my road, but right up the road, there's more and then there's more,' said Anita Beard, whose home was destroyed. Chasity Anglin's home in Union was blown off its foundation, and her property was left severely damaged. Without federal assistance, she and her husband have been left to handle the cleanup and rebuilding on their own. 'It's literally been blood, sweat and tears every morning when we get up to get our children ready. My husband wants to be down here first thing. So, we drop our children off, and we come straight here. And it's… we're working until it's time to get them and then we leave and get them. And sometimes, we're back here till dark,' Anglin said. North Carolina nonprofit constructing tiny homes for Mississippi tornado victims Those who lost their homes said while community leaders and churches have stepped up, it's not enough. They need federal assistance to truly begin to clean up and rebuild. 'We're in the process of rebuilding our home, but it's really hard to drive up and all your memories of the old home is still there. It's just hard to forget it. It's hard with all the debris still there. It's really hard,' said Beard. 'It seems hollow now. Where it used to be, warmth and happiness, now it's kind of an eerie feeling every time you drive down the road, because what used to be, you know, your home is now nothing,' said Anglin. U.S. Rep. Michael Guest's office sent a letter to President Donald Trump, asking him to approve FEMA assistance on April 2. 'I have been in touch with the president's staff multiple times in the last two weeks, and we are currently waiting for his final sign-off. Mississippi will rebuild,' said Guest. Officials with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) are also asking people to have patience. Governor Tate Reeves (R-Miss.) requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance from the March 14-15 tornado outbreak. MEMA Executive Director Stephen McCraney said the declaration could take time to go through the process, adding other declarations for storms took between 24 and 37 days. 'We have already selected the disaster recovery centers in every county that we've asked for that declaration of. So, we've got the staff names. We've got everything ready. We know where we're going, and we're going to be there to assist you in any way to apply for assistance when that day comes. And so, we're already planning positively that we're going to get it and that we're going to be able to get out there and do the great things that we do for the state of Mississippi and help our survivors,' he said. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Lee formally requests major disaster declaration following severe weather, flooding across TN
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has formally requested a major disaster declaration to make federal assistance available for counties affected by severe weather and flooding earlier this month. The request comes in addition to the emergency declaration approved by President Donald Trump on April 3 amid the outbreak of severe weather, including tornadoes, that affected Middle and West Tennessee counties. NWS report breaks down Middle Tennessee tornadoes from recent weeks 'The severe storms and tornadoes that struck Tennessee have caused significant damage and hardship for many communities across our state,' Tennessee Emergency Management Agency director Patrick Sheehan said in a Tuesday press release. 'We appreciate Governor Lee's swift action in requesting a Major Disaster Declaration, which is an essential step in securing the federal assistance needed to help Tennesseans recover and rebuild.' If the request is approved, some residents would be able to apply for FEMA individual assistance. That individual assistance could help with rental assistance, home repair and personal property replacement, with maximum aid being $43,600. FEMA individual assistance would be available to residents in the following counties: Cheatham Davidson Dickson Dyer Grundy Hardeman Hickman Humphreys Lewis McNairy Montgomery Obion Perry Sumner Wilson Additionally, Lee requested public assistance for several counties, including: Cheatham, Crockett, Davidson, Decatur, Dyer, Fayette, Gibson, Grundy, Hardeman, Hardin, Haywood, Henderson, Henry, Lake, Lauderdale, Madison, McNairy, Obion, Perry, Shelby, Tipton and Wilson. Want the forecast delivered directly to your inbox? Sign up for the News 2 Forecast Newsletter Federal public assistance programs reimburse state ad local governments, utilities and some private nonprofits for debris removal and other emergency protective measures. Public assistance can also help with repairs to roads, bridges, water facilities and other governmental equipment. Tennessee has been under a state of emergency since April 2 when a storm system moved through the Volunteer State and stalled out until April 6. Several counties in Middle and West Tennessee experienced intense flooding and tornadoes with the system. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders requests major disaster declaration from President Donald Trump
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Donald Trump Saturday to support recovery efforts after tornadoes touched down in the state last week. On Friday, officials with the National Weather Service confirmed that at least 15 tornadoes touched down in the state during the storms. National Weather Service confirms at least 15 tornadoes in Arkansas during weekend storms The governor said that this disaster caused severe infrastructure damage, overwhelming amounts of debris, and hundreds of damaged homes. 'The destruction caused by these tornadoes is devastating. The Arkansans who lost their homes, businesses, and loved ones in this storm need help to get back on their feet and rebuild,' the governor said. 'We are thankful for the leadership of President Trump, and I'm submitting this Major Disaster Declaration request and hope we can get additional assistance from the federal government.' Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders declares state of emergency in Arkansas after deadly Friday night storms Now that the governor has completed the damage assessment process, she is specifically requesting Individual Assistance and U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for Greene, Hot Spring, Independence, Izard, Jackson, Lawrence, Randolph, Sharp and Stone counties. The governor also asked for hazard mitigation statewide. To see the governor's full declaration, visit . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
