The death toll from the massive flooding in Central Texas has risen to at least 120. The number of missing persons has reached 173.
According to CNN on the 10th (local time), this flood is expected to be recorded as one of the deadliest disasters for children in U.S. disaster history.
At least 96 people have died in Kerr County, which was the hardest hit. Among them, 36 were children. Many of the deceased children were participants in the 100-year-old Christian girls' summer camp 'Camp Mystic.'
Search authorities are continuing their search efforts, but the chances of discovering additional survivors are dwindling.
Along with the search operations, questions regarding the disaster response system are also intensifying. Experts pointed out that there were no warning sirens in the area, which is frequently affected by disasters and is colloquially known as 'Flash Flood Alley.'
ABC reported, citing communication records, that it took authorities 90 minutes to issue an actual alert after receiving a request to issue an emergency warning (CodeRED) for residents to evacuate.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that he will convene a special session this month to discuss strengthening the early warning system and emergency communications network.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also emphasized that, had there been flood warning signs, lives could have been saved, and they must be installed by next summer.
Sheriff Larry Lisa of Kerr County stated during a press conference on Wednesday that they would conduct a thorough review of flood preparedness and response, promising that improvements would be made if necessary.
President Donald Trump has declared Kerr County a disaster area, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is conducting response operations on the scene.