Why are flash floods in Texas so deadly?

Over 100 people, including 27 girls at a summer camp, died in recent flooding

Photo composite illustration of Texas Hill Country with rising floodwaters
Texas' Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes from the flooding
(Image credit: Illustration by Stephen Kelly / Getty Images)

As rescuers continue searching for survivors from deadly flash flooding in Texas' Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend, state officials say they could not have foreseen the incident. Yet skeptics point out that flooding of this nature is actually quite common in the area. With over 100 people dead, including 27 kids and counselors from a girls' summer camp, residents and experts will be working to prevent tragedies like this in the future. But why are flash floods in this area of Texas so deadly?

What did the commentators say?

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.