Flash floods surged through in the middle of the night, but many local officials appeared unaware of the unfolding catastrophe, initially leaving people near the river on their own.

By the time I watched the video, I’d seen the images of upturned bunk beds, muddied stuffed animals, tiny T-shirts snagged on branches.

At least 120 people were killed and more than 160 people are believed to still be missing.