Officials have said search and rescue operations in central Texas have involved helicopters, drones, boats and more than 200 personnel.
Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick insisted efforts would continue until everyone had been accounted for.
Recalling what happened, Patrick said: “Within 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (8m) and it was a destructive flood, taking property and sadly lives.”
Kerr County’s most senior official, Judge Rob Kelly, was also asked during a news conference as to why camps along the Guadalupe River had not been evacuated in advance.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no-one knew this kind of flood was coming,” Kelly said.
He then added: “we do not have a warning system” in the area.
Image source, Getty Images
