A wave of deadly flash floods has devastated parts of Texas this week, leaving at least 52 people dead and 27 young girls reported missing, according to local authorities. The disaster — triggered by days of relentless rain and overwhelmed levees — struck without warning, sweeping through communities in the central and eastern parts of the state.

Emergency crews have been working around the clock to recover bodies and search for survivors. Rescue efforts have been especially focused on a local girls’ shelter, where staff reported losing contact with 27 girls as the waters rose rapidly on Tuesday night.

“This is one of the worst natural disasters we’ve seen in decades,” said Chief Luis Ramirez of the Texas Emergency Management Agency. “Entire neighborhoods are under water. Families are shattered. And our search is far from over.”

Officials say the missing girls were last seen in Harrison County, where floodwaters reached rooftops within minutes. The area remains inaccessible by road, with helicopters and boats now being used to search isolated homes and collapsed structures.

President Biden has declared a state of emergency in Texas and approved federal aid for relief and rescue operations. Volunteers, firefighters, and the National Guard are all part of the ongoing search effort.

As the state mourns the lives lost and clings to hope for the missing, thousands remain displaced — many left with nothing but the clothes on their backs.