Death toll from Texas floods reaches at least 43; dozens still missing

Texas- Rescue operations persisted in central Texas on Saturday as teams scoured the region for survivors following catastrophic flash floods that claimed at least 43 lives, including 15 children, with dozens still unaccounted for. The flooding, triggered by a sudden storm that dumped up to 15 inches of rain, devastated areas along the Guadalupe River, approximately 85 miles northwest of San Antonio, according to authorities.

Kerr County, the epicenter of the disaster, saw the Guadalupe River surge to 29 feet, overwhelming communities and leaving a trail of destruction. Over 850 people have been rescued, with some plucked from rooftops and trees by helicopter and boat teams, local media reported. In Travis County, four deaths were confirmed, with 13 individuals still missing, while Kendall County reported one additional fatality. Some news outlets suggested the death toll could be as high as 52, though Reuters could not verify this figure.

At Camp Mystic, a historic Christian girls’ camp hosting 700 campers, the flood left a scene of ruin. Mud marks inside cabins showed water levels reaching six feet, with personal belongings scattered and buildings heavily damaged. One nearby girls’ camp, Heart O’ the Hills, reported the death of co-owner Jane Ragsdale, though no campers were present at the time. In the town of Comfort, 40 miles downriver, massive trees were uprooted and strewn across roads, further complicating rescue efforts.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott requested a federal disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to secure aid for the affected regions. Trump expressed support, stating he and his wife Melania were praying for those impacted. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha noted that 17 of the confirmed deceased, including five children, remained unidentified. The National Weather Service indicated that the flash flood emergency in Kerr County had subsided, but a flood watch remained in effect until 7 p.m. for the broader area.

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Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly described the flooding as unprecedented, noting that the rapid rise of the river caught residents and officials off guard. “Nobody saw this coming,” Kelly said, highlighting the challenges posed by the sudden deluge in the Texas Hill Country, a region known for its scenic terrain and tourist attractions. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick emphasized that many visitors were in the area celebrating Independence Day by the river, adding to the complexity of the rescue operations.

Tonia Fucci, a 52-year-old visitor from Pennsylvania, described the devastation as overwhelming, with rescue helicopters circling overhead. “The swiftness of the water made survival seem impossible,” she told Reuters, expressing concern for the many still missing, particularly children. Social media footage captured the scale of the destruction, showing homes reduced to concrete slabs and debris littering the riverbanks.