Texas Floods Kill 43, Campers Still Missing as Trump, Noem Respond

Local officials announced Saturday evening that the confirmed death toll from the devastating floods in the Texas Hill Country has increased to 43. Among those killed were 28 adults and 15 children. Authorities said 12 adults and 5 children have yet to be identified.

The rising toll comes as families continue the desperate search for 27 missing girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp near Kerrville that was overtaken by floodwaters early Friday. Despite extensive search efforts, many remain unaccounted for, and officials noted that the influx of July 4th weekend visitors complicates estimates.

“We will be relentless in going after and assuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott said during a Saturday press briefing held alongside federal officials and rescue teams.

Previously Reported:

Earlier in the day, the confirmed death toll had stood at 27, with 9 children among the dead. Flash floods triggered by torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to surge, overwhelming roads, campsites, and communities in Kerr County and beyond.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said the exact number of missing is unclear due to holiday travel: “We still don’t know how many were here visiting. The unknowns are making this even harder.”

Trump and Noem Lead Federal Emergency Response

President Donald Trump addressed the nation via Truth Social, expressing condolences and directing federal agencies to coordinate on the ground with Texas officials.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that FEMA and U.S. Coast Guard resources have been fully activated. “We are flying through the night, rescuing people from rooftops and riverbanks,” she said in a post on X. The Coast Guard has already saved or assisted in over 220 rescues since the floods began.

• “In times of crisis, look for the helpers,” she wrote. “@USCG has saved or assisted in saving 223 lives.”
• “We’ve activated FEMA and additional federal assets,” she confirmed. (View statement)

State Resources Deployed Across Flood Zones

Governor Abbott has declared a disaster for 15 counties, including Kerr, Bandera, Comal, Llano, Gillespie, and Mason. Over 1,000 personnel and 800 emergency assets have been deployed to flood zones, according to the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

The state emergency operations center remains at Level II as the weather threat continues into Sunday. Additional counties could be added to the disaster zone in coming days, officials said.