Rescue teams in Texas are in a desperate race against time to locate dozens of missing persons, including children, after catastrophic flash floods swept through central parts of the state, killing at least 78 people.
The worst-hit area, Kerr County, reported 68 fatalities—40 adults and 28 children—while nearby communities recorded ten additional deaths. Officials fear the toll could rise as search operations continue.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” said Texas public safety chief Freeman Martin during a Sunday press briefing. “We expect the death toll to increase today.”
Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that 41 individuals are still unaccounted for across affected regions. “Heavy rains caused rivers to rise faster than expected, catching many off guard,” he said.
The floods, described as a “100-year catastrophe” by former U.S. President Donald Trump, struck during the Fourth of July holiday weekend, dumping months’ worth of rain in just hours. The Guadalupe River surged by over 26 feet in just 45 minutes, submerging cabins at Camp Mystic, where around 750 people, including many children, had gathered.
Search and rescue operations included 17 helicopters combing the region for survivors. Among the missing were ten girls and a counselor from the riverside Christian camp.
Rescue workers described scenes of devastation: shattered windows, mud-covered teddy bears, and debris-littered grounds. “We found three bodies today, including a young girl from the camp. We just want to help bring closure to families,” said Justin Morales, one of the local volunteers.
Questions have been raised about the effectiveness of early warning systems. Critics pointed to cuts in weather services and emergency preparedness programs during Trump’s administration, including proposed reductions at the National Weather Service (NWS) and a plan to phase out FEMA.
When asked whether those cuts hampered Texas’ disaster response, Trump deflected blame, saying, “That was a Biden setup,” and dismissed questions about restoring funding to federal agencies.
Despite his previous stance that disaster relief should be handled at the state level, Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Texas, unlocking federal resources.
The NWS warned that further flash floods were likely due to more slow-moving thunderstorms. Governor Abbott urged residents to stay away from swollen rivers and creeks and announced debris removal efforts were underway.
“There’s debris making roads impassable and delaying emergency operations,” he said. “We’re dealing with massive devastation.”
As locals launched drone searches, officials urged the public to refrain, citing risks to rescue aircraft. Volunteers, including Adam and Amber Durda, traveled from across the state to assist in the search.
“There was a group of 20-year-olds whose home was washed away. Their family asked for help, and we came,” said Durda.
Texas, long known as “Flash Flood Alley,” is no stranger to rapid and deadly flooding. However, scientists have warned that climate change is intensifying extreme weather events like this one.
With search operations ongoing, the state is now shifting toward recovery, even as families await word on their missing loved ones.
