AUSTIN, TEXAS: The US state of Texas has once again fallen victim to a natural disaster as torrential rains and sudden, devastating floods have wreaked havoc across the region.
According to the latest official reports, the death toll has now reached 49, while dozens remain missing.
The highest number of casualties has been reported from the Hill Country region, where 27 teenage girls staying at Camp Mystic have gone missing.
Following the flooding and the complete disruption of communication with the camp, families of the missing girls took to social media, pleading for help.
Authorities fear the actual number of missing individuals may be far higher, as thousands of tourists had also gathered in the area due to the July 4 holiday weekend.
Kerr County remains the worst-hit, with 28 people and 15 children dead.
In Travis County, the death toll has risen to four, while one fatality has been confirmed in Kendall County.
In San Angelo, a city in West Texas, the body of 62-year-old Tanya Burwick was found several blocks away from her submerged vehicle.
The Travis County Public Information Office has also confirmed that 13 individuals are currently missing, and active search-and-rescue operations are ongoing.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in an emergency press conference, announced a statewide emergency declaration and formally handed over rescue operations to the military and federal agencies.
