Crews are searching for missing persons in Texas after severe flash flooding in early July. Waters stemming from the Guadalupe River rose approximately eight meters (26 feet) in just 45 minutes shortly before dawn on Friday morning, sweeping away everything in their path. At least 120 people are known to have died in the tragedy, and dozens more are missing, including 27 girls who were taking part in a Christian summer camp in Kerr County, the hardest hit area.
In a statement Friday morning, the Archdiocese of San Antonio requested prayers for all affected by the historic flooding, especially for those who died and for those still missing. Noting the many individuals and organizations assisting victims, the Archdiocesan statement said, “It is our prayer that those impacted by the floods will find the strength to rebuild,” adding, “We pledge to be with the people in these challenging circumstances. Let us answer Christ’s call to love one another.”
Speaking in English at the conclusion of the Angelus on Sunday, Pope Leo offered his sincere condolences “to all the families who have lost loved ones—in particular their daughters who were at summer camp—in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States. We pray for them.”
Further details can be found here at the Vatican News Website.