Dozens are dead in Kerr County, Texas, including several children, and many are still missing after flash flooding destroyed homes and summer camps. NPR National Correspondent Sergio Martínez-Beltrán shares what he’s seeing from rescue and recovery efforts and details how the community is coming together to help rebuild and heal.

As early as July 2, officials at the Texas Division of Emergency Management, or TDEM, were publishing news releases warning that “heavy rainfall with the potential to cause flash flooding is anticipated across West Texas and the Hill Country” and readying resources, such as swift-water rescue boat squads.

Last year, 145 people died in flash floods, according to the National Weather Service. On average over the past 30 years, floods have claimed 127 lives annually.