The district, recognized as a state and national leader in student achievement gains, is seeking to fund the modernization of its campuses, including the badly outdated Dominguez High School, through Measure CPT. School Board President Micah Ali stated that Representative Waters' opposition, disseminated through her campaign's sample ballot mailer, carries considerable weight and could jeopardize the bond's passage, thereby hindering the district's ability to continue its progress.

Ali's surprise is compounded by the fact that Representative Waters recently attended a ceremony celebrating the new Compton High School campus, a project supported by significant donations from prominent alumni. Meanwhile, students at Dominguez High School, which is over 70 years old, are contending with dilapidated conditions, including a cafeteria that has been an outdoor plaza for over three years following a fire. Electrical and plumbing systems are outdated, and air conditioning in the gymnasium has been non-operational for years.

The author's attempts to solicit a reason for Representative Waters' opposition from her office were met with a statement citing U.S. House Ethics rules, preventing a response. This lack of transparency has left district officials baffled, questioning why a representative would oppose infrastructure improvements for a community where students are approximately 84% Latino and 14% Black. While some opposition to Measure CPT exists due to the estimated $60 per $100,000 in assessed property value it would add to annual tax bills, concerns about safety and leadership have not been publicly linked to Waters' stance.

Further complicating the matter are the disclosures within the slate mailer itself, which state that endorsements are "paid for and authorized by each candidate and ballot measure," yet do not reveal the source or amount of payment. Election law experts suggest this practice can be misleading and contributes to a broader issue of undisclosed funding in elections. Despite the congressional representative's recommendation, some local figures, including school board candidate Tana McCoy, intend to vote in favor of Measure CPT, emphasizing the importance of positive school environments for student well-being and mental health.

Students like Zaiden Ross at Dominguez High have highlighted severe infrastructure issues, including non-working sinks and water quality concerns, while also showcasing the academic achievements of the robotics program, which consistently wins awards despite outdated equipment. Educators believe that with proper resources, students could reach even greater heights. The article concludes by suggesting Representative Waters consider a visit to Dominguez High to witness firsthand the conditions and the potential that Measure CPT could unlock.

Historical accounts from early explorers detailed crocodiles as a common sight in the Seychelles. However, after permanent settlers arrived in 1770, the crocodile population rapidly declined and was completely exterminated within about 50 years. Researchers from Germany and the Seychelles investigated the evolutionary history of these lost reptiles by comparing DNA from modern saltwater crocodiles with genetic material from historical museum specimens, including rare samples from the extinct Seychelles population.

The genetic findings confirmed a previous theory based on the crocodiles' physical appearance, showing that the Seychelles animals were closely related to saltwater crocodiles living thousands of kilometers away. This supports the idea that crocodiles are capable of crossing vast distances.

Saltwater crocodiles are uniquely adapted to life at sea, possessing specialized salt glands that allow them to survive extended periods in saltwater. This ability has facilitated their spread across extensive coastlines and remote islands. Experts suggest that the founding population in the Seychelles likely drifted at least 3,000 kilometers across the Indian Ocean from other populations, possibly traveling with ocean currents over generations.

"The founders of the Seychelles population must have drifted at least 3,000 kilometers across the Indian Ocean to reach the remote archipelago, perhaps even much further," stated reptile expert Frank Glaw of the Bavarian State Collections of Natural History, a senior author of the study. The genetic patterns indicate that saltwater crocodile populations have historically remained connected over long distances, highlighting the species' remarkable mobility.

Before the Seychelles population was lost, the saltwater crocodile boasted an even wider range, stretching over 12,000 kilometers from Vanuatu in the Pacific Ocean to the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, making it one of the most widely distributed reptiles on Earth.

Negotiators are reportedly discussing a new memorandum of understanding that appears close to receiving approval from both parties. However, significant disagreements persist regarding several key provisions, notably the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital transit route for oil and gas tankers originating from the Middle East.

This potential diplomatic breakthrough follows a week characterized by volatility, during which U.S. and Iranian forces engaged in sporadic exchanges of fire. These incidents underscore the persistent risks of renewed escalation and the precarious nature of the existing truce.

The latest developments indicate a decrease in oil prices, a rise in stock market performance, and a fall in gasoline prices.

Sources suggest the potential breakthrough requires only President Trump's endorsement, yet he has remained notably reticent. Vance stated on Thursday, "It's hard to say exactly when or if the President is going to sign the MOU," while also noting, "We're going back and forth on a couple of language points. We've made a lot of progress here." The prospect of such a deal has positively influenced Asian stock markets and led to a slight decrease in oil prices.

Energy markets have experienced volatility as investors assess the likelihood of an agreement that could restore normal shipping operations through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate the proposed deal would allow unrestricted passage through the strait, without tolls or interference. In return, Iran would be expected to remove naval mines within 30 days, and the US would lift its naval blockade once commercial traffic resumes. However, Iran has not officially confirmed any commitments, with some sources indicating that any agreement announced unilaterally by President Trump would not be recognized by Tehran.

Mediator Qatar's role has become increasingly prominent, with its state news agency reporting that President Trump discussed "latest updates" on efforts to end the war with Qatar's ruler. Doha hosted Iranian officials this week amidst regional efforts to find a resolution to the conflict, which has been under a fragile ceasefire since April 8.

Despite diplomatic efforts, both Washington and Tehran have accused each other of violating the ceasefire. Recent US strikes on the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas were reportedly met with retaliatory fire from Iran targeting an American airbase. Kuwait, hosting US troops, reported responding to incoming fire and condemned what it termed "criminal Iranian attacks." The US Central Command characterized the incident as an "egregious ceasefire violation." Additionally, Iranian forces reportedly fired upon four ships attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without authorization, an area Iran has blockaded since the war's commencement.

On the Lebanon front, the country's culture minister reported that Israel had struck the medieval Beaufort castle near Nabatieh, raising concerns for other heritage sites, including the nearby ruins of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The castle, previously used by Israeli forces, is located in an area subject to a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been largely disregarded by both sides. Lebanon was drawn into the conflict in early March, and recent Israeli strikes have extended near Beirut, resulting in civilian casualties despite the existing truce.

Sports Boom reports that Elliott, who has no clear future at Anfield, needs regular playing time at a new club. Liverpool is expected to demand a transfer fee in the region of €30-35 million for the playmaker. Leeds United, keen on strengthening their squad in the summer window, see Elliott as an excellent potential addition.

The versatile midfielder can play as an attacking midfielder or on the wings, offering significant creative and goal-scoring threat. The prospect of consistent Premier League action with Leeds could be crucial for Elliott's development and help him reach his full potential. His previous performances for Liverpool, which include 15 goals and 21 assists, highlight his talent.

While Leeds United appears to have the financial capacity to pursue the transfer, several other clubs are also keeping tabs on Elliott's situation. Ipswich Town, Sunderland, Coventry City, and RB Leipzig are reportedly monitoring his future. It remains to be seen where the talented midfielder will end up as he seeks regular game time.

From sleek, minimalist designs to eco-friendly picks made from recycled materials, there's a wireless charger out there to match your vibe. Some, like the Einova Eggtronic Charging Stone, are so chic they might be mistaken for home decor. Just be mindful that harder surfaces like stone or marble could potentially scuff your phone, so a case is recommended.

For those who juggle multiple devices, charging stations like the Baseus Nomos 5-in-1 offer a desktop solution with multiple ports. The iOttie iOS Wireless Duo provides a stylish fabric-wrapped stand for your phone and a separate pad for earbuds, though its LED might be a bit bright for a bedroom. If you're all about the aesthetic, the Journey Alti Play Performance Desk Mat offers a Qi2 magnetic charging puck integrated into a stylish desk mat, complete with RGB lighting.

Eco-conscious buyers will appreciate the Nimble Apollo Wireless Pad, constructed from recycled silicone and post-consumer plastic. While its silicone surface can attract dust, its eco-credentials and effective MagSafe-like alignment for newer iPhones make it a solid choice. For a touch of luxury, the Rapport London Formula Wireless Charging Tray offers a high-end finish for charging phones and watches, but be prepared for its luxury price point.

When it comes to speed, the Xiaomi Mi 80-W Wireless Charging Stand is a standout, especially for Xiaomi phones, but most other devices will charge at a standard 10-watt rate. Keep in mind that for the fastest charging speeds, wired connections still generally win out. Wireless charging is ideal for convenience when your phone isn't in active use, like on your nightstand or desk.

Worried about battery health? Don't be. Modern phones have built-in safety limits to prevent overcharging, meaning leaving your phone on a wireless charger overnight is perfectly safe. For optimal long-term battery health, try to keep your battery level between 50% and 80% when possible, but don't stress too much about it if you swap phones every few years.

The national carrier stated that some of its flights will be compelled to make technical stops at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Djibouti International Airport for refueling. This necessity underscores the significant operational disruptions impacting air transport in Yemen, imposing additional logistical and financial burdens on both the airline and its passengers.

Company spokesperson Hatem Al-Shaabi explained that these steps are being taken to ensure the continuity of flights and adherence to schedules, emphasizing that the safety of passengers and crew remains the highest priority. The airline's need to seek fuel outside the country starkly illustrates the depth of the fuel crisis affecting the liberated areas, compounded by deteriorating basic services and persistent electricity and petroleum product shortages without effective solutions, despite repeated government promises.

Experts warn that the continuation of this situation threatens further complications for transportation and travel, particularly with increased demand for air travel expected during the summer season. They caution that the absence of tangible remedies could lead to broader disruptions within the aviation sector and its associated services.

These developments occur amidst challenging living conditions for citizens due to economic collapse and service degradation. The expanding scope of crises now affects vital sectors that should be prioritized by government intervention, exacerbating public dissatisfaction with the official performance in managing essential services and economic affairs.

The Yemen Airways spokesperson further noted that the company has adopted flexible operational solutions to navigate current challenges, aiming to maintain flight efficiency and international safety standards amidst the escalating energy and essential service crises across the country. These measures reflect the immense pressure on Yemen's national carrier due to the worsening fuel crisis, which is increasingly impacting air transport and raising concerns about its broader effect on citizen travel during the upcoming period, especially with the anticipated rise in demand for flights during the summer season and increased international travel.

According to Axios, citing American officials, the draft memorandum of understanding requires final approval from President Donald Trump, who has requested additional time to review its provisions. This indicates the sensitive nature of the proposed agreements and their potential political and security ramifications both domestically and internationally.

While referred to as an "agreement," the current discussions appear to represent a temporary political and security truce rather than a comprehensive settlement. The objective seems to be to buy time and prevent a regional escalation, pending negotiations on more complex issues such as uranium enrichment and US sanctions.

Leaked details suggest the memorandum includes guarantees for free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a commitment from Iran to clear naval mines within 30 days. This addresses international concerns over threats to global trade and energy flows through this critical waterway.

The proposed deal also envisages a gradual lifting of the US maritime embargo on Iranian ports, coupled with a restoration of trade activities, offering a potential economic respite for Tehran amid years of stringent Western sanctions. In return, Iran would reportedly commit to not pursuing nuclear weapons and to enter negotiations within the 60-day period concerning its enriched uranium stockpile and enrichment program, a core point of contention since the collapse of the previous nuclear accord.

Furthermore, the draft reportedly commits the United States to discussing sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the establishment of a mechanism for humanitarian aid and goods to enter Iran, aiming to alleviate mounting economic and humanitarian pressures.

Observers suggest that the nature of the proposed agreement reflects both parties' efforts to avoid direct confrontation, which could precipitate a wider regional war, especially given the fragile security landscape in the Middle East. However, significant skepticism surrounds the potential durability of this understanding, given the long history of conflict and mistrust between Washington and Tehran, as well as the presence of hardline factions within both countries opposing strategic concessions.

Analysts believe President Trump's request for additional review time acknowledges the sensitivity of any understanding with Iran, both concerning domestic US politics and the reactions of regional allies, particularly Israel and Gulf states. Any easing of sanctions or economic concessions could also face criticism within Washington from those who perceive Iran as exploiting periods of détente to advance its nuclear and military capabilities, as well as its regional influence.

Iran, conversely, appears keen on securing swift economic gains to alleviate its domestic crisis without making fundamental concessions that could be interpreted internally as capitulation to US pressure. This positions the current agreement more as an "expedition management understanding" than a definitive resolution to the nuclear standoff. Nonetheless, the reopening of negotiation channels and the exploration of understandings related to navigation, sanctions, and the nuclear program underscore a mutual recognition that continued open escalation carries substantial risks for regional stability and the global economy, particularly given the direct link between global energy security and any tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The fate of the agreement now hinges on the White House's decision in the coming days. Regional and international capitals are closely watching whether these understandings will usher in a new period of détente or prove to be a temporary truce susceptible to collapse under the next political or security challenge.

This initiative follows the official and popular state of mourning declared across the nation subsequent to the announcement of the former president's demise. Numerous political, military, and social entities have issued condolences, acknowledging his significant role during pivotal periods in Yemen's recent history.

The Political Bureau emphasized that the condolence gathering will be open to political and military leaders, social figures, and the public wishing to express their sympathies. This gesture is intended to honor the memory of the late president and recognize his political standing during a complex era in modern Yemeni history.

The decision to hold the gathering in Mokha carries political and symbolic weight, reflecting the engagement of national forces opposing the Houthi movement with the passing of Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi, whose name became synonymous with the leadership of Yemeni legitimacy throughout the war and Houthi coup.

Previously, the Yemeni Presidency had declared three days of official mourning, ordered flags to be flown at half-mast, and opened condolence registers domestically and abroad, in tribute to the former president's life and national standing.

The Political Bureau of the National Resistance offered prayers for the deceased, asking that God Almighty grant him mercy and forgiveness, admit him to His spacious gardens, and provide his family, relatives, and admirers with patience and solace.

Local Texans joined forces with disaster officials on the ground and in helicopters to search for the missing, including 11 girls and a counselor from a riverside Christian summer camp where some 750 people had been staying when disaster struck.

In a terrifying display of nature's power, the rain-swollen waters of the Guadalupe River reached treetops and the roofs of cabins in Camp Mystic as girls slept overnight Friday, washing away some of them and leaving a scene of devastation.

Blankets, teddy bears and other belongings ended up caked in mud. Windows in the cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said heavy rain likely to cause more flooding was falling Sunday, as the death toll at the camp and elsewhere in Kerr County rose to at least 59.

"We expect that to go higher, sadly," Patrick told Fox News Sunday.

He told stories of heroics, such as a camp counselor smashing a window so girls in their pajamas could swim out and walk through neck-high water.

"These little girls, they swam for about 10 or 15 minutes. Can you imagine, in the darkness and the rushing waters and trees coming by you and rocks come on you? And then they get to a spot on the land," Patrick said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Camp Mystic had been "horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I've seen in any natural disaster."

"We won't stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins," he said in a post on social media platform X after a visit to the site.

Officials and US media say nine people died in other Texas counties, for a total of 68.

Officials had earlier said 27 girls were missing from the camp. Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice told a news conference Sunday morning that the figure is now 11. He did not explain the sharp drop in the number.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned Sunday that slow-moving thunderstorms threatened more flash floods over the saturated ground of central Texas.

The flooding began at the start of the Fourth of July holiday weekend as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours, much of it coming overnight as people slept.

The Guadalupe surged some 26 feet (eight meters) -- more than a two-story building- in just 45 minutes.

'Washed away'

President Donald Trump, at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, signed a major disaster declaration that freed up resources for the state.

Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual.

The region of south and central Texas where the weekend's deluge occurred is known colloquially as "Flash Flood Alley."

But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events such as floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense.

Texans also started flying personal drones to help look but Rice urged them to stop this, saying it is a danger for rescue aircraft.

One of the searches focused on four young women who were staying in a house that was washed away by the river. Adam Durda and his wife Amber, both 45, drove three hours to chip in.

"There was a group of 20-year-olds that were in a house that had gotten washed away," Durda told AFP. "That's who the family requested helped for, but of course, we're looking for anybody."

Syrian emergency workers have faced tough conditions including high temperatures, strong winds, rugged mountainous terrain in the coastal province and the danger of explosive war remnants, in a country worn down by years of conflict and economic crisis.

An AFP correspondent in Latakia's Rabiaa region saw emergency workers battling a blaze near homes, while vast swathes of forest and olive groves were burnt and smoke filled the air over a long distance.

Jordanian civil defence teams crossed into Syria on Sunday morning, the Syrian ministry for emergencies and disaster management said, after Turkey sent assistance a day earlier.

Minister Raed al-Saleh said on X that "hundreds of thousands of forest trees over an estimated area of around 10,000 hectares (25,000 acres) in 28 locations have turned to ash".

He later decried "a real environmental disaster" at a press conference in the province.

More than 80 teams including civil defence personnel have been helping battle the blaze, he said, noting local organisations and residents were also providing assistance, in addition to teams and firefighting aircraft from neighbouring Jordan and Turkey.

Saleh said it would take days to declare the blazes completely extinguished once the fire was brought under control, calling them "catastrophic".

- More assistance needed -

Syria's defence ministry said the air force was assisting, publishing images of a helicopter collecting and dropping water.

Jordan's public security directorate said in a statement that the "specialised firefighting teams from the civil defence... have been provided with all the modern equipment and machinery necessary to carry out their duties to the fullest extent".

Swathes of forested area and farmland have burnt and some villages evacuated as the fires raged including near the Turkish border.

The United Nations deputy envoy to Syria Najat Rochdi said in a statement Sunday on X that Damascus "needs more international assistance" to face the fires.

A statement from the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Syria Adam Abdelmoula said that "UN teams are on the ground conducting urgent assessments to determine the scale of the disaster and to identify the most immediate humanitarian needs".

Nearly seven months after the ousting of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad, Syria is still reeling from more than a decade of civil war that ravaged the country's economy, infrastructure and public services.

With man-made climate change increasing the likelihood and intensity of droughts and wildfires worldwide, Syria has also been battered by heatwaves and low rainfall.

In June, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation told AFP that Syria had "not seen such bad climate conditions in 60 years".

The incident, now confirmed as a Houthi attack, marks the first attack on commercial shipping by the Iranian-backed group since December 2024.

According to the UKMTO report, “The vessel has been engaged by multiple small vessels who have opened fire with small arms and self-propelled grenades. Armed Security Team have returned fire and situation is ongoing.”

An update said the Company Security Officer confirmed that the vessel has been struck by unknown projectiles, resulting in a fire onboard.

Authorities are currently investigating the incident.

The vessel is reported to be Liberian-flagged.

According to Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group, the incident is a major escalation linked to the Houthis. The assault reportedly involved 8–9 skiffs firing automatic weapons and RPGs and 4 explosive unmanned surface vessels (USVs), two of which struck the ship.

This marks the first confirmed Houthi maritime attack since December 2024, signaling a notable shift in intent—both in timing and scale.

 The use of multiple weapon types suggests a deliberate attempt to sink the vessel, escalating the threat to commercial shipping in the region, Kelly stated.

The incident comes just days after UKMTO issued a warning on July 4th reminding vessels that “there remains a high threat of collateral damage to vessels visiting Houthi controlled ports [of Ras Isa, Saleef, and Hodeidah] in the event of any further strikes against targets in these port areas.”

Although no attacks on merchant vessels have occurred for over 7 months, authorities believe the Houthis still maintain the capability to target vessels in the Southern Red Sea, Bab-el-Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden that meet their criteria: Israeli-affiliated vessels and those connected with the Israeli port of Haifa. This relative calm followed a January 2025 Israel-Hamas ceasefire, during which the Houthis announced they would only restrict vessels wholly owned by Israelis or sailing under the Israeli flag.

The Houthis announced a ‘blockade’ against the Haifa on May 19 following a US-Houthi agreement brokered by Oman two weeks earlier.

Maritime security firm had previously recommended that vessels with Israeli affiliations avoid the southern Red Sea, Bab al Mandeb, and Gulf of Aden entirely, while advising ships with US, UK, or allied affiliations to exercise extreme caution and limit their risk exposure in the region.

The UKMTO continues to advise vessels transiting the area “to exercise extreme caution in the vicinity of ports that have been subjected to previous strikes, and should consider carefully whether the risk of ongoing navigation/operations in those areas remains judicious.”

Vessels in the region are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations urged vessels to show extreme caution when operating near the three ports of Hodeidah, Ras Isa and Saleef on the country’s Red Sea coast.

"We have recovered 43 deceased individuals in Kerr County. Among these who are deceased we have 28 adults and 15 children," said Kerr Country Sheriff Larry Leitha.

Leitha earlier put the number of evacuated people at 850, including eight reported injured.

Addressing a press conference, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he was expanding a state disaster declaration and was requesting additional federal resources from US President Donald Trump.

Texas Department of Emergency Management chief Nim Kidd said air, ground and water-based crews were scouring the length of the Guadalupe River for survivors and the bodies of the dead.

"We will continue the search until all those who are missing are found," he said.

The flooding began Friday -- the start of the fourth of July holiday weekend -- as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise by 26 feet (eight meters) in 45 minutes.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that more rain was forecast, and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations."

Multiple flash flood warnings remained in place over the weekend in central Texas.

In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris.

"The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," said local resident Gerardo Martinez, 61. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river."

Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual.

But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense.

Devastation at Camp Mystic

On Saturday, Sheriff Leitha said 27 children from the Camp Mystic Christian summer camp in the flooded Kerr County were still missing. Around 750 girls were enrolled at the camp.

US media reported that four of the missing girls were dead, citing their families.

The camp, located along the banks of the Guadalupe, was a picture of disarray, with blankets, mattresses, teddy bears and other belongings caked in mud.

The windows of camp cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water.

Michael, who only gave AFP his first name, was searching the camp for his eight-year-old daughter.

"I was in Austin and drove down yesterday morning, once we heard about it," he said, adding that he was hoping for a "miracle."

The Heart O' The Hills summer camp, located about a mile from Camp Mystic, confirmed on Saturday that its director Jane Ragsdale was among the dead.

'Catastrophic'

Department of Homeland Security head Kristi Noem told a press conference that Trump wanted to "upgrade the technologies" at the weather service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Trump's administration has faced criticism from scientists and disaster management agencies after cutting funding and hundreds of staff at the NOAA, in charge of weather forecasts and preparedness, and the NWS.

"We need to renew this ancient system," Noem said.

When asked about claims that residents were given insufficient warning of the floods, Noem said she would "carry your concerns back to the federal government."

Officials have said the speed and level of flooding was shocking.

"We didn't know this flood was coming," Kerr County official Rob Kelly said Friday.

Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said rescuers were facing "very difficult" conditions, warning people against traveling to the site.

Rice added it was not known how many people may have been visiting the popular camping area, and declined to give an overall figure for how many were missing.

Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a local church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold.

"Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses... It's just crazy," she added.

With rescuers fanning out across the region, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring urged the community to come together.

"People need to know today will be a hard day," he said.

"So far, we've evacuated over 850 uninjured people, eight injured people and have recovered 27 deceased fatalities at this time," said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, adding that nine children were among the dead.

Addressing a press conference, Kerrville city official Dalton Rice said hundreds of people were taking part in rescue operations, which included ones conducted aerially by helicopter.

"One thing I want to tell you and assure y'all is that we will not stop till every single person is found," said Leitha.

The flooding began Friday as months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours, causing the Guadalupe River to rise by 26 feet (eight meters) in 45 minutes.

The National Weather Service warned of more extremely heavy rain and "locally catastrophic" flash flooding to come in the region, located northwest of San Antonio.

In Kerrville on Saturday, the usually calm Guadalupe River was flowing fast, its murky waters filled with debris.

"It rained in a day what it usually rains in a year," said local resident Gerardo Martinez, 61.

"The water reached the top of the trees. About 10 meters or so," he added. "Cars, whole houses were going down the river."

Flash floods, which occur when the ground is unable to absorb torrential rainfall, are not unusual.

But scientists say that in recent years human-driven climate change has made extreme weather events like floods, droughts and heat waves more frequent and more intense.

'Still missing'

On Saturday, city official Rice said 27 children from the Camp Mystic Christian summer camp in the flooded Kerr County were still missing. Around 750 girls were enrolled at the camp.

US media reported that two of the missing girls were dead, citing their families.

The camp, located along the banks of the Guadalupe, was a picture of disarray, with blankets, mattresses, teddy bears and other belongings scattered across buildings.

The windows of camp cabins were shattered, apparently by the force of the water.

Michael, who only gave AFP his first name, was searching the camp for his eight-year-old daughter.

"I was in Austin and drove down yesterday morning, once we heard about it, we were in Kerrville all day at the emergency stations," he said.

He pointed to the cabin where his daughter was meant to be, and said he had found some of her belongings within.

The Heart O' The Hills summer camp, located about a mile away from Camp Mystic, confirmed on Saturday that its director Jane Ragsdale was among the dead.

'Boots on the ground'

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has signed a disaster declaration to boost resources for counties in the region, and President Donald Trump has promised federal support.

Rice said rescuers were facing "very difficult" conditions.

"We did start boots on the ground operations about 8:00 am (1300 GMT) this morning," he said, warning residents not to launch their own searches.

Rice added that it was not known how many people may have been visiting the popular camping area, and declined to give an overall figure for how many people were missing.

State and local officials warned against residents traveling to the area, which includes campgrounds dotted along the river, with dozens of roads impassable.

Videos on social media showed houses and trees swept away by the flash flood caused by heavy overnight rain of up to 12 inches -- one-third of Kerr County's average annual rainfall.

Governor Abbott shared a video on X of a victim being plucked from a tree by a rescuer dangling from a helicopter, as floodwaters raged below.

Soila Reyna, 55, a Kerrville resident who works at a local church helping people who lost their belongings, witnessed the devastation unfold.

"Nothing like as catastrophic as this, where it involved children, people and just the loss of people's houses and you know, it's just crazy," she added.

Martinez said Friday's flooding was some of the worst he had ever seen.

"There is a saying here that there's a flood every hundred years," he said. "We had it. We've never seen anything like that and hopefully we won't ever see it again."

With rescuers fanning out across the region, Joe Herring, the Kerrville mayor, urged the community to come together.

"People need to know today will be a hard day. It will be a hard day," he said, his voice breaking.

The move clears the way for General Assimi Goita to lead the west African country until at least 2030, despite the military government's initial pledge to return to civilian rule in March 2024.

The bill, adopted by the legislative body, now only needs approval by the junta leader himself who rose to power following back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021.

It is the latest in a series of restrictions on freedoms by Mali's military leadership to consolidate its power in the jihadist-hit Sahelian nation.

The bill was unanimously backed by the 131 members present in the National Transitional Council, an AFP journalist said.

The cabinet, the Council of Ministers, had already adopted the measure last month.

The transition is fixed at five years, renewable "as many times as necessary, until the pacification of the country, from the promulgation of this charter", the bill, seen by AFP, states.

The transitional president, government and legislative members are eligible to stand in presidential and general elections, the text says.

"This is a major step forward in the rebuilding of Mali," Malick Diaw, president of the National Transitional Council, told AFP after Thursday's vote.

"The adoption of this text is in accordance with the popular will," he said.

When Goita took power, he insisted on Mali's commitment to the fight against jihadist violence and initially pledged a return to civilian rule.

But the military ultimately reneged on its promise to cede power to elected civilians by their own deadline.

- Repression of dissent -

Earlier this year, a junta-led national consultation recommended the move proclaiming Goita president without a vote for the five-year renewable term.

The same assembly -- boycotted by most political groups -- also recommended the dissolution of political parties and tougher rules for their creation.

Subsequently, the junta announced in May the dissolution of all political parties and organisations, as well as a ban on meetings.

The ongoing squeeze on Mali's civic space comes against a backdrop of clamour by authorities for the country to unite behind the military.

Since 2012, Mali has been mired in violence carried out by jihadist groups affiliated with Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State group, as well as other criminal organisations.

Those attacks have only intensified in recent weeks.

The Malian army and its Russian mercenary allies from Africa Corps, tasked in particular with tracking down jihadists, are regularly accused of rights violations against civilians.

Mali and its junta-led neighbours Burkina Faso and Niger have teamed up to create their own confederation, the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), and have announced the creation of a joint 5,000-strong force for joint military operations.

In Niger and Burkina, political parties have also been dissolved and suspended.

Burkina's junta leader Capitain Ibrahim Traore, who seized power in a September 2022 coup, extended his transition at the helm of the country for an additional five years in May last year.

In Niger, General Abdourahamane Tiani overthrew democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

A national conference held in February strengthened the ruling junta by authorising Tiani to remain in power in Niger for the next five years.

All three Sahelian countries have turned their backs on their shared former colonial master France in favour of stronger ties with Russia and other partners.