Best friends Lila and Eloise among Texas flood victims

Rescuers are working around the clock in the southern USA on Sunday to find nearly thirty girls and teenagers missing in flash floods that have killed at least 50 people in Texas, according to the latest toll compiled by AFP from local authorities.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of natural disaster and visited the site. In particular, he visited the Christian summer camp for girls on the banks of the ravaged river, where 27 girls and teenagers are still missing from the 750 or so who attended. “We will not stop until we have found all the girls who were in these bungalows,” said the governor.

Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, both second-graders at Bradfield Elementary, were among the first victims identified. The two friends shared the same cabin. Lila Bonner's family confirmed her death to FOX 4. Eloise Peck was also identified among the victims. Her mother, Missy Peck, testified, "Eloise was literally friends with everyone. She loved spaghetti, but not as much as animals. She died with her best friend, Lila Bonner. Her family loved her fiercely for the 8 years of her life, especially her mom."

The Highland Park Methodist Church opened its doors on Saturday for prayers in memory of the victims. Many of the girls attending the camp are members of this religious community. Highland Park School District Superintendent Dr. Mike Rockwood expressed the collective grief in a statement: "Our hearts are heavy. Many students were in the area at the time of the tragedy. The solidarity and support expressed by our community is a source of comfort in this ordeal."