An unidentified 10-year-old Texas girl is currently missing after being swept away by floodwaters in Brenham. Authorities continue their search efforts, using every available tool to locate the elementary school student.
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According to the
Brenham Fire Department (BFD), the 10-year-old girl was swept away by "rapidly rising floodwaters" at around 4:25 p.m. on Monday, May 5. Reportedly, the child was swept away at Fireman's Park."Yesterday, during the severe weather that impacted our area, a student from Brenham Elementary was caught in floodwaters and is currently missing," the fire department wrote in its latest update. "Search efforts remain ongoing."
"Our hearts are with the student's family," the update added. "We ask our community to keep them in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time. Out of respect for the family's privacy, no further details will be shared at this time."
Up to 14 agencies have been involved in the child's rescue, looking for her on the creek banks. Reportedly, members of the Brenham Police Department attempted a rescue but were swept away themselves. They were rescued downstream and received treatment from emergency services.
Search Efforts Continue
As per the fire department, efforts on Tuesday, May 6, include the deployment of four Swift Water Rescue Teams. Alongside them are teams with the Washington County Search and Rescue, as well as Texas Task Force 1. Canine units and drones, alongside Texas Parks and Wildlife and DPS aircraft, are also being used to locate the 10-year-old.
According to the BFD, counseling and support services were made available for students and staff members of Brenham Elementary School.
"We are deeply grateful for the continued efforts of local law enforcement, fire, EMS, specialized rescue teams, and the many community members who have offered their support," the BFD added.
Brenham Mayor Atwood Kenjura said on Monday night that the search efforts, while phenomenal, were to become harder given the light conditions.
"The response has been phenomenal but it's such a swift water and it's going to be difficult now with the light conditions going away," Kenjura told KBTX. "My heart goes out to [the family], I mean, this is just something that shouldn't happen."
