More than 50 people have died and dozens of children are missing in Texas Hill Country after catastrophic flooding, leaving officials struggling to explain if they had done enough to warn people of the fast-rising waters.

Hundreds of residents, campers and visitors were plucked to safety after the Guadalupe River rapidly swelled in Texas Hill Country with little warning.

By Rich McKay and Andy Sullivan HUNT, Texas (Reuters) -At least 43 people, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead following flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on Saturday as rescuers continued a frantic search for dozens more campers,