At least one person has died in flooding across central Texas – the same area that saw more than 130 deaths in flash floods last summer.
“Large and deadly” flooding from the Guadalupe River is expected to ravage the region, following days of torrential rain, the National Weather Service in San Antonio reported. Last year’s flash floods originated from the same river.
Early Thursday morning, emergency officials were encouraging residents in the area to evacuate.
More than 130 people died in last summer’s floods, including 25 children and two counsellors at Camp Mystic, an all-girls camp near Kerrville, Texas, located along the river.
In a Thursday afternoon update, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced at least one person has died in the flooring.
“We will be doing everything possible to save human life,” Abbott said in an update posted to social media.
He added about 80 rescues have been made, and the person who was killed was not a camper in the region.
The “rapidly rising rivers” will continue to rise throughout the day, the governor said.
The National Weather Service has offered constant updates, noting the urgent threat and urging for people to get to safety.
“CATASTROPHIC flooding is occurring. Move to higher ground now! Guadalupe River is rapidly rising and will continue!”‘ The National weather Service in San Antonio posted on X.
The Guadalupe River has already risen 32 feet (975 cm) in a four-hour span, according to the Texas Tribune. The flooding has impacted multiple counties in South Texas, including Uvalde, Kerr and Kendall.
