At least 82 dead in Central Texas flooding, search continues
KERRVILLE, Texas (NBC, KYMA/KECY) - In Central Texas, the tragedy from what's described as a hundred-year flood is still unfolding Monday morning.
Torrential rains raising the level of the Guadalupe River more than 20-feet in just 45 minutes, creating a wall of water that ripped apart everything in its path.
At least 82 people died, with most of them being swept away in the raging current, and officials warn that number will grow later in the day. More than 50 of those lost were in Kerr County.
Like the floodwaters tearing apart the Texas Hill Country, the rescue and recovery effort is relentless.
"That is where our energy, our resources and our attention are directed. Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those who are waiting and grieving," said Dalton Rice, Kerrville City Manager.
Hundreds of first responders working around the clock going-on four-days now.
"The Department of Public Safety is offering any and every resource that we have to help those searches, whether it be boat teams, rescue divers, helicopters, drone operators, drones," said Freeman F. Martin, Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
High-profile military vehicles, thermal and night vision technology, crews combing the strike zone on foot and others on horseback, the team uncovered the body of a young victim in the debris.
"We decided we should look in that spot a little bit more before we went back down. And that's where we found her," said Kinley Klaehn of Harper, Texas.
"We covered her with a towel," said Sarah Klaehn of Harper, Texas.
At least 82 are dead and dozens still missing, including a group of young girls and their counselor from Camp Mystic.
"I think while it was going on I sort of felt a numbness," said Stella Thompson, a 13-year-old flood survivor.
Thompson escaped. She and a group of fellow campers were led out by the National Guard through debris, overturned vehicles, camp gear and clothes littering the trees, and rescue divers in the water.
"Saying it out loud is making me realize what actually happened and how bad it actually is," Thompson expressed.
A realization so many in Central Texas are struggling with right now.
With all of the damage, and all that's been lost, a lot of people right now are frankly still in shock, though most will say one thing: They haven't lost is hope.
This includes the rescue teams who say they are still doing just that: Searching for survivors and will until everyone is found.
