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Texas And New Jersey Hit By Deadly Floods: Latest Updates
Table of Contents
- 1. Texas And New Jersey Hit By Deadly Floods: Latest Updates
- 2. Grim Discoveries In Texas Hill Country
- 3. Eyewitness Accounts Of The Texas Flooding
- 4. A Family’s Terrifying Ordeal
- 5. Lack Of Warning Systems
- 6. Summer Camps In Crisis
- 7. Tragedy Strikes New Jersey
- 8. Flood Safety Measures: Staying Prepared
- 9. Here are 1 PAA (Potentially Automatable Activity) related questions based on the provided article, each on a new line:
- 10. texas Flooding: hill Country Devastation – Current Situation and Urgent Updates
- 11. The Impact of the Storms: Deaths and Missing Persons
- 12. Affected Regions and Areas
- 13. Safety and Disaster Relief Information
- 14. How to Help
Texas Hill Country is reeling from catastrophic flash flooding that has claimed multiple lives and left numerous individuals missing. As rescue teams navigate fast-moving waters by boat and helicopter, the extent of the devastation becomes clearer. Together, severe weather in New Jersey has resulted in additional fatalities, compounding the national tragedy.
Grim Discoveries In Texas Hill Country
Lieutenant Governor Dan patrick reported that between six and ten bodies have been recovered so far amidst the ongoing search. Kerr County Sheriff larry Leitha, in a concurrent press conference, stated that thirteen deaths have been attributed to the intense flooding.
Overnight, central Kerr County was deluged with at least 10 inches of rainfall, triggering the Guadalupe River to overflow its banks and prompting desperate pleas for information regarding the whereabouts of the missing. “Some are adults, some are children,” Patrick stated, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the identities of the recovered victims.
Emergency responders have conducted numerous rescues,but several individuals remain unaccounted for. Social media platforms, particularly the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page, have become makeshift message boards where anxious relatives share photos and seek updates on loved ones within the flood zone.
Eyewitness Accounts Of The Texas Flooding
Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, confirmed the fatalities and the extensive water rescues. He noted the difficulty in identifying the deceased, stating, “Most of them, we don’t no who they are.”
A Family’s Terrifying Ordeal
Erin Burgess, a resident of the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood, recounted her harrowing experience. Awaking to heavy rain at 3:30 A.M., she initially dismissed it. Within twenty minutes, though, water surged through her home. She, her son, and her boyfriend had to cling to a tree for an hour, waiting for the water to recede enough to reach safety. “my son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it… Thankfully he’s over 6 feet tall. that’s the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him.”
Lack Of Warning Systems
Despite prior flood watches indicating potential for up to 7 inches of rain and a subsequent flood warning for over 30,000 people, Judge Kelly admitted, “We do not have a warning system” and “we didn’t know this flood was coming.” He defended the lack of preparedness by asserting, “Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming… This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”
Governor Greg Abbott has pledged state resources to aid affected communities, including Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt.
Did You Know: The Guadalupe River’s gauge in Hunt recorded a 22-foot rise in approximately two hours before failing at 29.5 feet?
Summer Camps In Crisis
The Texas hill Country, a popular summer destination known for its vineyards and vacation rentals, is also home to numerous summer camps. Desperate inquiries flooded social media as people sought information about children attending these camps.
The Ingram Fire Department reported that Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls, sustained “catastrophic level floods.” Camp officials directly contacted parents whose daughters were unaccounted for, while Camp Waldemar, located east of Hunt, posted on Instagram that “we are all safe and sound.”
According to Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, “This is the kind of thing that will catch you unaware. The water’s moving so fast, you’re not going to recognize how bad it is until it’s on top of you.”
Tragedy Strikes New Jersey
Meanwhile, in central New Jersey, severe thunderstorms claimed at least three lives. In Plainfield, two men, ages 79 and 25, died when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm. Mayor Adrian O. Mapp lamented, “Our hearts are heavy today… This tragedy is a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the fragility of life.”
Plainfield canceled its Fourth of July celebrations, including a parade, concert, and fireworks show, to focus on recovery efforts. Power outages and downed trees were widespread across southern New England, with reports of hail and hazardous road conditions.
Flood Safety Measures: Staying Prepared
Pro Tip: It is crucial to stay informed about flood risks in your area! Utilize resources such as the National Weather Service and local emergency management agencies to get timely alerts. (weather.gov)
Here’s a quick rundown of critical flood safety measures:
- Know Your Risk: Determine if you reside in a flood-prone area.
- Emergency Plan: Create and practice a family emergency plan.
- Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and alerts.
- Evacuate: if advised, evacuate instantly.
- Never drive: Avoid driving through flooded areas.
Contrast the Texas and New Jersey situations:
