Texas floods leave dozens dead, missing as crews search for survivors

Click here to follow the latest updates on the Texas flooding.

Ranking member Frank Pallone, D-N.J., speaks during the Energy And Commerce Committee Markup Of Budget Reconciliation Hearing on May 13, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for Protect Our Care)

Disastrous flooding in Texas has left dozens dead, with others missing, but as the nation grapples with the tragedy, U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., D-N.J., criticized Republicans and said flooding "incidents are likely to get worse."

"The Big Ugly Bill’s elimination of climate action laws and cutbacks in the National Weather Service couldn’t come at a worse time as the deadly flooding in Texas has shown. Those incidents are likely to get worse as Republicans ignore the reality of climate change," the congressman declared in a post on X.

Pallone has served in the U.S. House of Representatives for more than three and a half decades.

A road sign lays among debris after flash flooding tore through the area on July 6, 2025 in Hunt, Texas (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

The disastrous flooding in Texas has left at least 80 people dead, with others still missing.

Per Kerr County officials, total is 68 dead:

- 40 adults (18 pending ID)

- 28 children (10 pending ID)

- 10 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, as well as one counselor

Burnet County:

- 3 dead

- 5 missing 

Travis County:

- 4 dead

- 13 missing 

Kendall County:

- 2 dead 

Tom Green County:

- 1 dead 

Williamson County

- 2 dead

- 2 missing

Fox News Digital's Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report

United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer Scott Ruskan on far left, from New Jersey, is being called a hero after rescuing close to 200 people following flash floods in Central Texas.

A United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey is being called a hero after rescuing close to 200 people following flash floods in Central Texas.

Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, 26, was singled out by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for his efforts saving 165 victims as the only triage coordinator at the scene of the floods.

"United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskin (Ruskan), directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskin is an American hero. His selfless courage embodies the spirit and mission of the @USCG," Noem’s posted to her social media account on X.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Christina Shaw. To continue reading, click here.

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves said he is praying for the people impacted by the catastrophic floods in Texas and the local officials and first responders coordinating a response to the devastation.

The governor posted a prayer to social media on Sunday.

"Dear God: I pray for Texas! I pray for @GregAbbott_TX @tedcruz @JohnCornyn and all the local leaders working to coordinate the disaster response. I pray for the first responders who have seen and endured unbelievably difficult situations," Reeves wrote on X.

"I pray for the families and the loved ones of all involved," he continued. "I specifically pray for the leaders of Camp Mystic."

He added: "Please lay a healing hand on all those affected by this tragedy!"

"Amen," the governor concluded.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said his state is keeping Texas "close in our hearts" and is prepared to "help our neighbors down south" amid the devastating floods that swept across Central Texas.

"Minnesota is keeping Texas close in our hearts as devastating flooding continues," the governor wrote on X.

"We stand ready to help our neighbors down south in any way we can as communities begin the long road to recovery," he continued.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey offered prayers for the families impacted by the flooding that swept across Central Texas, including one Alabama family who lost a young girl attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in the Lone Star State.

Sarah Marsh, 8, of Mountain Brook, Alabama, was among the children killed in the floods that devastated Camp Mystic.

"Alabama joins in lifting up all impacted by the floods in the Hill Country — especially as we grieve the tragic loss of one of our own, young Sarah Marsh of Mountain Brook," Ivey wrote on X. "We pray for her family, the other families facing unimaginable loss and strength as the searches continue."

Ivey's statement comes after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared Sunday as a day of prayer in Texas.

Texas Military Department

The Texas Military Department on Sunday announced that it has recovered 520 people following the devastating floods that swept across Central Texas.

"The Texas Military Department's rescue operations have resulted in the successful recovery of 520 individuals," the department wrote on X.

"These efforts included 361 air evacuations conducted with UH-60 Black Hawks and 159 ground rescues employing various vehicles and assets," it continued.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday offered his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the flooding that swept across Central Texas, killing dozens and leaving many others unaccounted for.

"I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp, in the disaster caused by flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States," the first American pope wrote on X.

"We pray for them," he continued.

The White House Faith Office encouraged others to join it in prayer for people who lost their lives in the flooding that swept through Central Texas.

"The White House Faith Office asks you to join us in prayer for the precious lives lost in the Texas floods," it wrote in a statement posted to X.

"Amidst this tragedy, our nation must come together to pray for the victims, their families, and the first responders conducting rescue missions to find those still missing," the statement continued.. "May God wrap his loving arms around all those in Texas."

The Faith Office also included in its post the Bible verse Psalm 34:18, which reads: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin on Sunday announced the deployment of the commonwealth's water rescue teams to Texas to support recovery efforts after the devastating floods that swept across the central area of the Lone Star State.

"Our hearts go out to the families and communities in Texas who have been devastated by these historic floods," Youngkin said in a statement. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Texas, and we are committed to offering any and all support requested during this critical time."

Two Virginia Type III Swift Water Rescue Teams will deploy to Texas on Monday to assist with water rescue operations and support local responders.

The teams are equipped with specialized equipment and technical rescue gear necessary to navigate treacherous floodwaters, according to the governor's office. They will work closely with local and state agencies to search the areas impacted by the flooding. The deployment comes at the request of the Texas Division of Emergency Management through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact mutual aid system.

The governor added on X that Virginia "stands with the people of Texas in the face of these devastating floods."

Family of Sarah Marsh:family of Mary Kathryn Jacobe

Two more victims — both 8-year-old girls — were confirmed dead in the flooding in central Texas, according to the girls' respective families.

Sarah Marsh and Mary Kathryn Jacobe were killed in the devastating floods that swept through Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp.

"Our family is completely devastated by the loss of Sarah and her dear friends at Camp Mystic," Sarah's family said in a statement to Fox News.

"This is a tragedy that no parent can prepare for and it will never be right this side of Heaven," the family continued. "While we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of love and support we have received, we request privacy as we navigate the unimaginable steps ahead. We continue to keep the fellow campers, staff, and families in our prayers - for their rescue and return home."

Mary's family told Fox 26 the girl was "fun, compassionate and kind."

"We will miss her dearly," the family said.

The Department of Homeland Security argued that the mainstream media is "deliberately lying" about what led up to the catastrophic flooding in Texas that killed dozens of people and left many others unaccounted for.

"The mainstream media is deliberately lying about the events leading up to the catastrophic flooding in Texas," DHS wrote on X.

"The National Weather Service executed timely, precise forecasting and warnings, despite unprecedented rainfall overwhelming the region," it continued.

The agency also provided a timeline of the National Weather Service's "proactive response" to the storm beginning on Thursday morning.

"The National Weather Service provided over 12 hours of advance notice via the Flood Watch and over 3 hours of lead time for Flash Flood Warnings, with escalated alerts as the storm intensified," DHS wrote.

Getty Images

Actor Matthew McConaughey on Sunday urged his fans to "lend a helping hand" if they can following the flooding that killed dozens when it swept through Texas.

"At least 70 lives have been lost, many more are unaccounted for, and countless Texans are hurting - inside and out," McConaughey wrote on X.

"If you're able, please lend a helping hand where and how you can," he continued. "It's gonna be a long road ahead, but right now the shock, the pain, and the chaos need the steady hand of a neighbor."

He added that "Texans are some of the most resilient and generous people on the planet."

This comes after devastating floods swept across central Texas, killing at least 79 people and leaving 41 others missing.

Getty Images

Country singer-songwriter Robert Earl Keen announced that he will hold a benefit concert to help his hometown of Kerrville, Texas, recover from the flooding and that all the money from merchandise sales from his current tour will be donated to flood relief efforts.

All merchandise sales from his current tour will go to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. He said the benefit concert is in the works, with additional details to be announced soon.

"The Texas Hill Country and namely my hometown of Kerrville, Texas, has been crippled by unprecedented flooding on the 4th of July," Keen said in a video posted on Facebook. "This has resulted in devastation across the area, and there are still many missing from the event, including campers from Camp Mystic, which holds a special place in mine and my family’s hearts."

Keen was originally scheduled to perform in Louise Hays Park on Friday, when devastating flooding swept through the park and surrounding areas in Kerr County, including Camp Mystic, where his daughters previously attended summer camp.

Family of Blakely McCrory

An 8-year-old girl who went missing in the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas remains unaccounted for Sunday night, according to her family.

Blakely McCrory's family said she has still not been found after devastating floods swept across central Texas, killing dozens and leaving others missing.

"Every parent dreads what Camp Mystic parents have been living with for the past two days," the family said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"Right now, we have no updates on Blakely," the statement continued. "And, while it is difficult to be positive, it is not at all difficult for us to focus every ounce of hope, prayer, and positive energy we can muster on first responders in the field and the search for our daughter and her campmates. And, we encourage everyone to do the same."

Fox News' Ashley Papa contributed to this report.

Family of Linnie McCown

An 8-year-old girl was killed as a result of the Camp Mystic flooding in Texas, her family confirmed to Fox News Digital.

Linnie McCown was a camper at Camp Mystic when devastating floods swept across central Texas, killing dozens.

“She was found and I identified her at the funeral home in Kerrville," Linnie's dad told Fox News Digital. "We are heartbroken."

Fox News' Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.

Crews work to clear debris from the Cade Loop bridge along the Guadalupe River on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

An emergency services expert and former FEMA external affairs officer explained the danger of the potential of another wall of water forming after a flash flood warning was issued for Central Texas.

“Rescue crews across Central Texas are now facing a new and fast-moving threat: a delayed surge of floodwater, often called a “wall of water,” Jason Pack, who is also a retired FBI special agent and current first responder, told Fox News Digital.

“Even with clear skies overhead, heavy rainfall upstream can send a powerful surge barreling downstream hours later,” he continued.

In the Hill Country’s narrow river valleys, Pack said that water concentrates and accelerates, flooding areas that had previously dried out.

“It can wipe out roads, isolate search teams, and trap residents who thought the danger had passed,” Pack said.

Pack said that this delayed flooding now puts both rescuers and potential survivors at risk.

“Teams working in previously safe zones may find themselves suddenly surrounded or cut off. Victims returning home or trying to move around might be caught off guard by rising water that wasn’t there minutes before,” Pack explained.

“The unpredictability of these secondary surges is why emergency officials are urging Texans to remain cautious, even after the rain stops. The water is still moving, and the threat is far from over.”

The Kerr County Sheriff warned that the Guadalupe River and Johnson Creek could rise another one to two feet as rainfall continues in the area.

"There was additional rain in the upper Guadalupe basin this afternoon, leading to a rise in Johnson Creek," the sheriff's office shared in a Facebook update. "This water may lead to a rise of 1-2ft downstream when it enters the Guadalupe river in Ingram. Please be aware if you are near the Guadalupe River or Johnson Creek."

The sheriff's office also warned people to be careful about social media rumors and misinformation.

"Search and rescue operations continue, with a full response from local, state, and national first responders. We continue to have hundreds of officers, deputies, and support staff working every aspect of this emergency, along with air, water, K9, and other assets conducting search and rescue," the post also said.

Aftermath of Texas flood damage

An emergency services expert and former FEMA external affairs officer explained how the organization would most likely get involved in the devastating Texas flooding.

“When major flooding strikes Texas, many people assume FEMA shows up with fire trucks, helicopters, and rescue boats. That’s not how FEMA works, and for good reason,” Jason Pack shared with Fox News Digital.

Pack, who is also a retired FBI special agent and current first responder, said “FEMA doesn’t directly own or operate those kinds of resources.”

“What FEMA has is the authority to coordinate across the entire federal government through something called a mission assignment. FEMA acts as the central hub and what the federal disaster declaration unlocks is speed, funding, and the ability to surge the right resources to the right place,” Pack explained.

Pack added that the federal disaster declaration President Trump signed on Sunday brings in more than just resources, it brings structure.

“Most importantly, it allows exhausted local crews to get help without delay, but even with federal coordination, the hardest work is still happening in the field,” Pack said. “It’s happening in muddy pastures, on flooded backroads, and along riverbanks where families were last seen. It’s happening in the form of dog handlers, paramedics, and firefighters who leave before sunrise and don’t stop until every building has been searched.”

Flood damage is seen in Kerr County, Texas

President Donald Trump spoke to the media on Sunday and said that he’s been in touch with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and everyone in Texas on the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

“We've been in touch with Governor Abbott and very close to Governor Abbott. And, everybody in Texas. Kristi Noem is, as you know, been there and will continue to be there. And we're working very close with representatives from Texas,” Trump said.

“And it's a horrible thing that took place. Absolutely horrible. So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless the state of Texas. This incredible place,” he continued.

When asked if the federal government needed to hire back any meteorologists who were fired, Trump said what happened was unexpected.

“This was a thing that happened in seconds. Nobody expected it. Nobody saw it. Very talented people are there, and they didn't see it,” Trump explained. “It’s, I guess they said once in 100 years they've never seen anything like that. I mean, people are trying to blame the school. They're trying to blame the camps. It's just a horrible thing.”

Trump called the deadly flooding a “catastrophe.”

“I would just say this is a 100 year catastrophe, and it's just so horrible to watch,” Trump said.

Trump said he was also planning on visiting Texas, “probably on Friday.”

“We want to leave a little time. I would have done it today, but we'd just be on their way. Probably Friday,” Trump said.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Central Texas as more heavy rain is expected to impact the area.

The alert was issued for Ingram and Hunt, Texas until 7:30 p.m. local time, urging residents to “move immediately to higher ground.”

Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, also shared the alert in a post on X urging residents to get off roads near waterways.

“KERR COUNTY/HUNT Incoming: more rain inbound. Ground is saturated, please move to higher ground and get off of roads near waterways. Please be safe,” Roy wrote.

Debris and damage inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic

Kerr County officials shared a devastating update on the search and rescue efforts underway in Central Texas.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that as of 1:30 p.m. local time, they have recorded 68 deaths in Kerr County.

“Among those who are deceased, we have 40 adults and 28 children,” Leitha said. “18 adults are pending identification and ten children are also pending identification.”

“At present there are ten Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, and one counselor. We continue to offer our condolences to those affected, and we will work tirelessly till we reunite them with their families,” he continued.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shared an update on rescue and recovery efforts during a news conference Sunday afternoon, stating that many people are still unaccounted for.

Abbott said 59 are confirmed dead in Kerrville, and that 11 are still missing from Camp Mystic.

Abbott added that there are 10 confirmed dead separate from camp elsewhere across central Texas, and 41 known missing across the state in places affected by flooding.

The death toll across Central Texas climbed to nearly 70 on Sunday.

Abbott pledged to maintain an ongoing search to find anyone who is missing, asking anyone who believes that they have a loved one missing to contact local authorities.

The governor also praised President Trump  his “swift, declaration of a major disaster declaration.”

“He (Trump) ensured in less than 24 hours that major disaster declaration was approved, ensuring that state and local governments are going to have more resources to be able to respond to that disaster,” Abbott said.

Former Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama both expressed heartbreak over the Texas flooding tragedy, expressing sorrow for the lives lost and gratitude to emergency personnel working to find missing people.

“On this day of prayer, Laura and I are holding up our fellow Texans who are hurting. We are heartbroken by the loss of life and the agony so many are feeling,” Bush wrote in a statement.

"Those who have lost their precious children are facing a grief no parents should ever know. We are grateful to the first responders and volunteers who are working to find the missing and comfort the grieving at Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe. We know our words cannot help, but we believe the prayers of so many Americans will."

Obama also shared a statement calling the flooding “absolutely heartbreaking.”

“The flash flooding in Central Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle and I are praying for everyone who has lost a loved one or is waiting for news — especially the parents. And we’re grateful to the first responders and rescue teams working around the clock to help," Obama wrote in a post on X.

President Trump declares major disaster for Texas due to severe storms and flooding, authorizing federal relief with FEMA coordination under the Stafford Act, the White House shared in a statement on X.

“Dear Governor Abbott: I have declared a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. (the “Stafford Act”), for the State of Texas due to damage resulting from severe storms, straight-line winds, and flooding beginning on July 2, 2025, and continuing,” the White House wrote in a statement on X.

Trump has authorized federal relief and recovery assistance in the affected area, as well as providing individual assistance and public assistance.

“Consistent with the requirement that Federal assistance is supplemental, any Federal funds provided under the Stafford Act for Other Needs Assistance under section 408 will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs in the designated areas,” the statement continued. “Federal funds provided under Stafford Act for Public Assistance also will be limited to 75 percent of the total eligible costs.”

Trump announced that he is also appointing Benjamin Abbott as Federal Coordinating Officer to manage relief efforts.

“He will consult with you and assist in the execution of the FEMA-State Agreement for disaster assistance governing the expenditure of Federal funds,” the White House wrote.

Trump also wrote below the proclamation that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would be “available at all times.”

The Texas State and National Guard service members are continuing search and rescue efforts across Central Texas after devastating flood waters pummeled the region and claimed the lives of over 50 people.

“Texas State and National Guard Service Members continue to work 24/7 across Central Texas and the Texas Hill Country,” the organization wrote in a post on X.

“Our men and women on the ground and in the air have rescued more than 360 people so far — and we won’t stop until all who are stranded or lost are found and returned to their families and loved ones.”

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Sunday said he is deploying rescue teams to Texas to help search for survivors in the wake of deadly floods that killed nearly 70 people. 

DeSantis made the announcement in a post on X. 

“Florida will support Texas following the catastrophic flooding in Kerrville and the surrounding areas," he wrote. "At my direction, @FLSERT is deploying three swiftwater rescue teams through an EMAC to assist with response and recovery.” 

“We’re standing by to lend more help as requested,” the Republican governor said. 

As of Sunday afternoon, 59 deaths were reported in Kerr County.  Authorities have reported four deaths in Travis County, three in Burnet and 1 in Kendall.

A search dog operates at Camp Mystic after deadly flooding in Kerr County, Texas, U.S., July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Sergio Flores

President Donald Trump on Sunday said that he signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas, after deadly flash floods devastated the region. 

Trump made the announcement in a post on his Truth Social platform, writing that it will “ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need.” 

“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” the president’s post read. “The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” 

The death toll across Central Texas climbed to nearly 70 on Sunday morning after officials in Kerr County provided an update.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said 59 people were confirmed dead, while the missing included 11 young girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.

Officials in Texas earlier confirmed additional deaths in nearby counties of Travis, Burnet and Kendall.

First responders from College Station Fire Department search along the banks of the Guadalupe River, as rescue efforts continue following extreme flooding, Sunday, July 6, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

Devastating flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has killed at least 59 people as of Sunday as crews continue to search for survivors, including 11 children and one counselor still missing from a Christian summer camp. 

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha told reporters during a news conference Sunday morning that of the 59 confirmed dead, there were 38 adults and 21 children. Officials were still working to identify 18 of the deceased adults and four of the children. 

Leitha said that 11 young girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a retreat along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, were still missing. 

Officials had earlier said that 27 campers were missing . Officials did not immediately provide further details on the updated count. 

“We will continue our search efforts until everyone is found,” the sheriff said.

Additional deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet and Kendall counties, bringing the total death toll across Central Texas to nearly 70 as of Sunday morning.

One Texas family helped save a woman's life who was clinging to a tree for hours as deadly flash flooding struck Kerr County over the weekend. 

The woman, who was swept 20 miles downriver, caught the Jeter family's attention when she saw Carl and began to "scream for help" while he was outside on his deck. "She spotted me, and she started to scream for help," Carl told "Fox & Friends Weekend" on Sunday.

"At first, I couldn't… locate her. I thought she was in the river itself going downstream, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh,’ and then I finally was able to look across the river at the end of the tree and I spotted her, so I began to call out to her and tell her that I see her… ‘I got you. We're going to get you some help. It's going to be okay. Just hang on.'"

The family was able to call for help and ultimately, Texas troopers rescued the woman from the tree after an hours-long nightmare. 

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Bailee Hill. To continue reading, click here.

A view inside of a cabin at Camp Mystic, a riverside summer camp in Texas. RONALDO SCHEMIDT/AFP via Getty Images

A Republican lawmaker said he and his wife were reunited with their two daughters who were attending a Christian summer camp that was destroyed when historic flooding swept through Central Texas over the weekend. 

Rep. August Pfluger, R-Texas, said Saturday in a post on X that his two daughters were evacuated from Camp Mystic, a camp along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. 

“Camille, Vivian and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana who were evacuated from Camp Mystic,” Pfluger said of his family. “The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families and we mourn with them as well as holding out hope for survivors.” 

In a separate post, Pfluger praised the heroism of camp counselors and others who acted to save lives during the height of the flooding. 

"There are countless heroes who acted so bravely during this tragic situation - who sacrificed for others - thank you…and for most of you we will never even know the stories or understand what you did! But, THANK YOU!” the congressman wrote. 

Pfluger said Camp Mystic’s co-owner, Dick Eastland, likely sacrificed his life to save young girls attending the camp. 

“Camp Mystic’s Dick Eastland no doubt gave his life attempting to save his campers,” Pfluger wrote. “For decades he and his wife Tweety poured his life into loving and developing girls and women of character. Thank you Mr. Eastland. We love you and miss you.” 

Pfluger asked the public to “pray for miracles” as crew continue searching for survivors of the floods, including 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

President Donald Trump agreed to send “all available resources” to Texas after deadly flash flooding devastated parts of the state, the White House said Sunday. 

James Blair, White House deputy chief of staff, made the remarks during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” 

“The president’s been engaged since everything started happening,” Blair said, adding that Trump has been in direct communication with officials in Texas as well as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. 

“The federal government led by President Trump is there for the state of Texas,” Blair said. “He has agreed to send all available resources that are requested down to Texas.” 

Trump posted about the tragedy on Truth Social on Saturday, confirming that the administration was working with state and local officials to respond to the tragedy.  

"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” the post read. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" 

The flooding has killed at least 51 people across Central Texas as of Sunday morning. Officials confirmed that 43 of those deaths were in Kerr County, where crews were still searching for 27 missing girls who were swept away in gushing floodwaters while at a Christian summer camp.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, center, tours Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott shared details about his visit to a Christian summer camp along a river in Kerr County, where at least five children were killed and dozens of other campers remain missing after gushing floodwaters swept through the camp. 

Abbott described the destruction of Camp Mystic along the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, in a post on X. 

“It, and the river running beside it, were horrendously ravaged in ways unlike I’ve seen in any natural disaster,” the governor said of the camp. “The height the rushing water reached to the top of cabins was shocking.” 

“We won’t stop until we find every girl who was in those cabins,” Abbott vowed. 

As of Sunday morning, five young girls who were staying at Camp Mystic have been confirmed dead. Kerr County officials confirmed 27 campers were still missing about 36 hours after the flood. There were 750 attendees at the camp when the wall of water slammed into the camp. 

“The camp was completely destroyed,” 13-year-old Elinor Lester, one of hundreds of campers, told The Associated Press. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.” 

Officials said the flooding in Kerr County killed at least 43 people, including 15 children. Officials confirmed another eight people died in nearby counties. 

Authorities said about 850 people have been rescued so far.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, center, speaks with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, right, about ongoing search and rescue efforts after recent flooding along the Guadalupe River during a press conference on Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Kerrville, Texas. (AP Photo/Rodolfo Gonzalez)

After a Texas flood killed at least 32 people Friday, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem addressed criticism about notification prior to the flood, saying the administration is working on updating the National Weather Service and NOAA's "neglected" and "ancient" systems.

Citing her time in Congress and as governor of South Dakota, Noem said that while the weather is difficult to predict, there have been instances when officials and citizens expressed the need for quicker warning and clearer notification before deadly weather.

"That is one of the reasons that, when President [Donald] Trump took office, he said he wanted to fix and is currently upgrading the technology," Noem said during a news conference with state officials Saturday afternoon. 

"The National Weather Service has indicated that with that and the [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration] (NOAA), we needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place with the federal government for many, many years."

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch. To continue reading, click here.

Lila Bonner, left, and Eloise Peck were the most recent confirmed Camp Mystic deaths in central Texas. They were from Highland Park, a city near Dallas. (Photo courtesy of Missy Peck)

Officials on Saturday confirmed over 50 people are dead in Central Texas and more than 27 young girls remain missing in Kerr County after a devastating flood swept through the region.

Five young girls who were staying at Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian retreat in Hunt, Texas, have been confirmed dead.

Anne Hunt confirmed to Fox News Digital that her daughter, Janie, was one of the campers killed in the flood. A Voice for the Voiceless, a nonprofit that advocates for "the missing, voiceless and crime victims," identified Renee Smajstrla as another deceased camper.

Family members identified best friends Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck as the most recent cabinmates found dead, according to a report from FOX 4 Dallas. They had both recently finished second grade at Bradfield Elementary.

A fifth camper has been confirmed to be deceased. However, her family asked that her name not be released.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Rachel Wolf and Alexandra Koch. To continue reading, click here.

A Sheriff's deputy pauses while combing through the banks of the Guadalupe River near Camp Mystic after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

As officials continue to confirm deaths and search for those missing after the Texas Hill Country floods on Friday, locals have started to share stories of incredible acts of bravery and heroism amid a weekend of anguish.

Julian Ryan and his fiancé Christina Wilson were at their home in Ingram, when water began rushing through the doors.

As the water was quickly rising, Ryan, 27, punched through a window to get Wilson, their children, and his mother out of the flooded house, according to Houston outlet KHOU-11.

Wilson told the outlet the glass cut one of Ryan's arteries and his arm was badly injured. Calls to 911 went unanswered.

"By 6 (a.m.), he looked at me and the kids and my mother-in-law and said, ‘I’m sorry, I’m not going to make it. I love y’all,’" Wilson told KHOU-11.

Ryan is being remembered as a "true hero," who was dedicated to his family, according to a GoFundMe created for the family.

This is an excerpt from an article by Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch. To continue reading, click here.