A dramatic toll of at least 24 dead , including children from a scout camp , and dozens missing due to the torrential rains that have been lashing Kerr County, Texas, for hours.
Rescue workers are working tirelessly and have repeatedly urged residents not to leave their homes so as not to expose themselves to risks.
"Further rain is forecast for the area. And even if it is light, there is a possibility of worsening flooding," authorities warned, urging extreme caution.
The alert was raised during the night. The first emergency call reached the authorities around 4:26 in the morning local time. Then it was a succession. The initial rescue efforts were slowed down by heavy rains, but are now fully operational. The goal is to try to find the missing.
On social media, some parents have posted photos of some of the girls in hopes of locating them. A large Walmart in the area is currently being used as a meeting and rescue point for those unable to access their homes due to flooding.
The flood is reminiscent of a deadly flood in the same area in July 1987, when the Guadalupe River rose 30 feet, swamping a school bus and a van carrying teenagers to a nearby summer camp. Ten children died at the time, and 33 others clung to tree branches until help arrived.
Today the situation is worsened by the arid lands of the area that flood very quickly. In just three hours the level of the Guadalupe River rose by 6.7 meters, reaching one of its highest levels in history. A few hours later, however, the hydrometer to measure it was damaged by the flood.
The support of the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella also comes from Italy: "On behalf of the Italian people and myself - he wrote in a message to Donald Trump - I would like to express deep sympathy to your country for the victims and missing persons caused by the floods that hit Texas". "Our thoughts go to the families of the victims and to those waiting to know the fate of their missing loved ones. In a moment of such grave mourning for the friendly American people, I would like to convey to you, Mr. President, the sentiments of my most sincere condolences and those of the Italian Republic". Mattarella recalls "the floods that hit Texas and in particular Kerr County, among which there are also many children" and wishes "the utmost success to the teams involved in the complex rescue operations".
(Unioneonline/vl)