There was little warning as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet (7.9 m) in less than an hour, and the flooding that followed swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins where people were spending the 4 July weekend.

Rescue crews are still searching for up to 25 children who were among the 750 girls attending Camp Mystic, just outside the town of Kerrville, 104 km (64 miles) northwest of San Antonio. A state of emergency has been declared in several counties, where roads have been washed away and phone lines are down.

US President Donald Trump called the tragedy “shocking” and “terrible” as the White House pledged additional assistance. Pictures show deep floodwaters swamping bridges and fast-moving water swirling down roads.

Eyewitness Bud Bolton recounted the moment floodwaters swept through a recreational vehicle (RV) park in Kerrville. “(They were) caught inside that RV, and that RV’s floating away,” he told the San Antonio Express-News. “And kids are screaming, and you can’t do nothing for them.”

Park resident Thomas Rux told the paper he was woken by thunder and rain and then told to evacuate by the fire department late at night. Moments later, his vehicle was swept away by the aggressive floodwaters. Restaurant owner Lorena added: “It’s total devastation. Helicopters are flying in, rescuing people trapped in trees. It’s bad.”

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said: “Within 45 minutes, the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet and it was a destructive flood, taking property and sadly lives.” He also assured parents that if they had not been contacted, their child was accounted for. (BBC)