**Urgent: Texas Flooding Claims 32 Lives, Including 14 Children; Search and Rescue Operations Ongoing**

In a devastating turn of events, at least 32 people have lost their lives due to catastrophic flooding in Texas, with 14 of the deceased being children. As the search and rescue operations intensify, authorities are racing against time to locate any remaining survivors amid the chaos.

The flooding, triggered by an unexpected deluge of rain that saw water levels rise over 26 feet in less than an hour, has left entire communities submerged. Eyewitness reports describe harrowing scenes of families trapped in their homes, scrambling for safety as the waters surged. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster, mobilizing state and federal resources to aid in the ongoing rescue efforts.

Rescue teams are employing systematic grid searches to scour the area, focusing on rooftops and trees where survivors may have sought refuge. Time is critical; rescuers are acutely aware that the longer individuals remain stranded, the slimmer their chances of survival become. “Time is of the essence,” Governor Abbott emphasized, as crews work tirelessly to find those still missing.

As of now, the rescue phase remains active, with authorities reluctant to transition to recovery operations. The community is holding onto hope, but the reality of the situation is grim. With reports of many still unaccounted for, the urgency of the search is palpable. The U.S. Coast Guard and local emergency services are on the front lines, equipped to navigate the treacherous conditions.

The tragic loss of life, particularly among children, has cast a dark shadow over the state. As the water begins to recede, the focus shifts to both recovery and the emotional toll on families grappling with unimaginable loss. The coming days will be critical as officials continue their efforts to locate survivors and assess the full impact of this natural disaster.