Context:

Central Texas faces a high risk of life-threatening flooding as more rain is expected, complicating the search for missing individuals after severe floods that have already claimed at least 82 lives. The disaster has particularly affected Kerr County, where residents are dealing with the aftermath of rapidly rising floodwaters, including harrowing rescues and evacuations. Search and rescue teams are combing through challenging terrain to locate those still missing, including children from a devastated summer camp. Questions arise about the adequacy of warnings and preparations for the flooding in this historically vulnerable area, as families cope with loss and authorities pledge continuous efforts to find survivors. President Trump has declared a major disaster in the area, while global figures like Pope Leo XIV have offered condolences, underscoring the widespread impact of the tragedy.

Dive Deeper:

• Forecasts indicate continuous rain in central Texas, intensifying the risk of flooding as the search continues for missing persons after a deluge that has killed at least 82 people, including summer camp children, over a holiday weekend.

• Residents of Kerr County are clearing debris and recounting narrow escapes, such as an elderly couple who rescued their 92-year-old neighbor during the floods, highlighting acts of heroism amidst the chaos.

• Search operations face difficult conditions, with rescuers navigating snake-filled terrain to find missing individuals, including 10 girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, which suffered massive damage.

• Concerns are mounting over whether sufficient warnings were issued and if adequate preparations were made, given the region's vulnerability to flooding, as officials acknowledge the unexpected intensity of the rainfall.

• President Trump has issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County and expressed intentions to visit, while Pope Leo XIV has extended prayers and condolences to the affected families, particularly those who lost children.

• Survivors share terrifying experiences of being swept away and clinging to trees, while others sought refuge in attics, praying that the water would not reach them, illustrating the dire conditions during the flood.

• The National Weather Service had issued several alerts, including rare flash flood emergencies, but officials admit the severity of the downpour was unforeseen despite advance warnings.