Texas flooding death toll climbs to 120, 171 missing

US media outlets say the death toll from last week's flash floods in the state of Texas has risen to 120 and over 171 people remain unaccounted for.

Local authorities announced on Wednesday that as many as 2,100 personnel, including firefighters from Mexico, are being deployed to look for the missing in an area stretching over 320 kilometers.

Heavy rain began in the early hours of last Friday, inundating communities along the Guadalupe River. The floods swept away many people, including children who were attending a summer camp along the river.

On Wednesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared that a special session of the legislature would be convened on July 21. Agenda items will include measures to improve early warning systems and to strengthen emergency communications in flood-prone areas throughout Texas.

The session is also expected to examine the authorities' responses to the heavy rain and flooding.

(With inputs from agencies)