Texas Governor Greg Abbott today declared a state of emergency due to floods in the central part of the state, which have claimed 24 lives and left more than 20 people missing. US President Donald Trump called the floods “terrible” and promised federal aid.
A state of emergency has been declared in several counties in Central Texas, including Bandera, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green, CNN reports.
According to the latest information from Sheriff Larry Leite, 24 people have died in Kerr County, and so far, 237 people have been rescued, 167 of whom were evacuated by helicopter.
Abbott stated that the counties would receive “unlimited access to all resources, strategies, and personnel” that Texas can provide.
“We will commit everything we have to help,” the governor said.
The search for missing persons will continue throughout the night, including the use of helicopters with infrared technology to locate victims.
“The search and rescue will not stop; it will continue through the night and will resume when the sun comes up,” he added.
US President Donald Trump called the floods “terrible” and promised federal aid.
“It’s terrible. Floods? Shocking. They still don’t know the exact number of victims, but it seems some young people have died,” Trump told reporters. He emphasized that the federal government is collaborating with the Texas governor and will provide all necessary assistance.
🚨 BREAKING: At least TWO of the girls missing from Camp Mystic after the flooding in Texas have been rescued
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 4, 2025
23 were originally reported missing from the Christian summer camp.
KEEP PRAYING! It’s working! pic.twitter.com/Ri0IborHmp
More than 20 Girls Missing from Camp
The greatest concerns have arisen from the disappearance of more than 20 girls who were at “Camp Mystic” in Kerr County.
The missing persons were mostly staying at a Christian camp near the town of Hunt, where children were exposed to a sudden wild torrent that flooded the camp.
My heart is broken and hurting for the people in Kerr County, Texas.
— Matt Van Swol (@matt_vanswol) July 4, 2025
These images and videos bring me back to the morning Hurricane Helene hit us in Western North Carolina.
Nothing can prepare you for this.
My whole heart is hurting for all of you,pic.twitter.com/n5u6seDi2a
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester, one of the survivors, told media how the children from her camp were rescued by helicopter after having to hold onto ropes while crossing a flooded bridge. According to official data, out of 750 girls attending the camp, 23 are still missing.
The camp is located next to a river that rose by more than six meters in less than two hours.
BREAKING: 20 children are missing in the Texas Hill Country flash flood.
— Brian Krassenstein (@krassenstein) July 4, 2025
Praying for the best.
This is not a time to be defunding weather research and NOAA. pic.twitter.com/VpUpnAylKk
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick warned that this does not mean the girls are “definitely missing,” but that the situation is very serious. Central Texas received a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours yesterday, causing flash floods.
In Hunt, a town near Kerrville, about 17 centimeters of rain fell in just three hours, which was designated as a once-in-100-year rainfall level for that area.
Continued heavy rainfall is expected today, which could further worsen the situation.
The situation in Central Texas remains extremely critical, and rescue teams and officials are making enormous efforts to help the affected communities.
Source: Blic, Photo: AP / Eric Gay
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