A catastrophic flash flood has claimed the lives of over 80 people in central Texas, as heavy rains battered the Hill Country region causing a sudden surge of of 20-26 feet of the Guadalupe River near Kerrville, leading to widespread damage and road washouts – leaving to a wave of emergency rescues.
The death toll rose across six counties as of Sunday evening. In Kerr County, officials reported 68 deaths — those of 40 adults and 28 children. Officials said 10 children are still missing from Camp Mystic.
Governor Greg Abbott noted that some of those rescued had been clinging to tree branches to avoid being swept away. Abbott also revealed that he had signed an amended federal disaster declaration to include additional counties impacted by the severe weather.
Secretary Noem, present at the briefing, said President Trump had expressed his intention to support the updated declaration. Texas Senator Ted Cruz shared on social media: “Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic. Today, I’ve spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs. 
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly also spoke during the briefing, revealing that his own property had been ravaged by the floodwaters and that he narrowly made it home on Friday. Kelly shared that he had visited a local funeral home and witnessed the overwhelming toll firsthand. He later toured the devastation by helicopter alongside Senator John Cornyn and Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told reporters Friday that the Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet in less than an hour. He said there had been no rainfall in the area until shortly before the flash flood hit, and emergency alerts were sent out early Friday morning between 4 and 5 a.m.
Speaking with reporters aboard Air Force One late Friday night, President Trump described the flooding as a “terrible thing.” On Saturday, he said his administration was actively working alongside Texas state and local officials to provide relief. Trump wrote in a Truth Social post: “The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
President Donald Trump later announced he had signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County; which allows first responders to have access to the resources they need as they continue to work on search and recovery efforts. The Department of Homeland Security said Sunday that the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground in the region to provide assistance.
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