In Today’s BRIGHT
Death Toll Rises in Texas Hill Country Floods
More Weekend Reads
Trump Signs BBB on Independence Day
‘Blue Zone’ Habits to Start Today
Mondays with Melania
Death Toll Rises in Texas Hill Country Floods
In ongoing coverage, The Texas Tribune reported the death toll from the catastrophic Texas Hill Country floods continues to rise, with a current estimate of “at least 79.” Ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing, as search efforts continue across the region. Governor Greg Abbott expanded the disaster declaration and requested federal aid, with over 850 rescues reported in 36 hours. Torrential rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes. Officials face scrutiny over the flood warning system, while volunteers and churches work to support displaced residents amid widespread devastation and uncertain conditions.
The Tribune added:
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy," Trump wrote. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"
About 10 inches of rain fell within a few hours, causing flooding along the Guadalupe River which rose 26 feet in 45 minutes.
The death toll in an area historically prone to major flooding has raised questions about whether people near the river, including many vacationers in town for the Fourth of July weekend, received sufficient warning.
Fox News reported that as catastrophic floods swept through Texas Hill Country, survivors shared harrowing stories of rescue and loss. Julian Ryan died after saving his family by punching out a window in their flooded home. Erin Burgess credited her 19-year-old son with saving her life as they clung to a tree. Emma Foltz helped evacuate 14 campers to safety. Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a “day of prayer,” saying, “Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience... We turn to God for comfort.”
Fox News reported:
Citing her time in Congress and as governor of South Dakota, Noem said that while the weather is difficult to predict, there have been instances when officials and citizens expressed the need for quicker warning and clearer notification before deadly weather.
"That is one of the reasons that, when President [Donald] Trump took office, he said he wanted to fix and is currently upgrading the technology," Noem said during a news conference with state officials Saturday afternoon.
"The National Weather Service has indicated that with that and the [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] (NOAA), we needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place with the federal government for many, many years."
For those in central Texas able to donate:
Live Updates via Fox News
RELATED:
New Jersey Coast Guard swimmer rescues nearly 200 people in deadly Texas flash floods (Fox News)
As the Death Toll Rises in Texas, Democrats Choose to Be Black-Souled, Evil Ghouls (Red State)
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to BRIGHT to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.