Local News
Viral Story of Two Missing Girls Found Alive in Tree During Texas Flooding Proven False, Kerr County Officials Confirm
Widespread reports claiming two missing girls had been miraculously rescued from a tree near Center Point during the catastrophic Kerr County flooding have been confirmed false by local authorities.
The story, which circulated rapidly on social media and through local networks on Sunday, originated from unverified sources, including volunteer accounts and social media posts.
The Kerr County Lead was among the first to publish the claim, citing numerous messages and apparent eyewitness reports. However, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha later confirmed the information was “100% inaccurate.”
The spread of misinformation highlights the difficulties of managing reliable communication during large-scale emergencies.
With emotions running high and many families desperately awaiting word about missing loved ones, unconfirmed stories can quickly fuel false hope and emotional turmoil.
As of Monday, eleven campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for following Friday’s flash floods, which have claimed the lives of at least 59 people in Kerr County.
Rescue and recovery operations continue across a 30-mile stretch of the Guadalupe River, with over 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies conducting coordinated grid-based searches.
Officials are urging the public to rely only on verified sources for updates.
Daily press briefings are held at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and those seeking information about missing individuals should call the dedicated hotline at 830-258-1111.
Accurate updates are being shared through the official Facebook pages of the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Kerrville.
Authorities emphasized the importance of avoiding and not amplifying unverified reports on social media during such a critical time.
SURF CITY, N.C. — Emergency crews are battling a large multi-structure fire in Surf City that has already destroyed at least three homes and a large boat, according to reports from the scene and emergency radio traffic.
The blaze reportedly began near 5th Street, directly across from The Trailer Bar, and quickly spread to multiple nearby residences and a docked vessel.
Witnesses described seeing towering flames and heavy smoke visible from several blocks away as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly expanding fire.
Scanner reports indicate that multiple fire departments and emergency agencies from surrounding areas have been dispatched to assist Surf City Fire and Rescue in controlling the blaze and preventing it from spreading further.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or whether there are any injuries.
Residents in the area were urged to avoid 5th Street and surrounding roads to allow emergency personnel full access to the scene.
This is a developing story, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Surf City officials and emergency services.