At least 43 people have died due to severe flash floods that hit Texas Hill Country early Friday morning. According to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, the victims include 28 adults and 15 children.
Among the missing are 27 girls from a Christian summer camp located near the Guadalupe River. Officials think some of the campers might be trapped and unable to contact anyone for help.
U.S. Congressman August Pfluger said that his two daughters, who were at Camp Mystic (the summer camp for girls), were safely rescued. He shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he and his wife are now reunited with them.
“The last day has brought deep sadness to many families. We grieve with them and still hope for miracles,” he wrote.
On Friday night, Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that the state is doing everything possible to help with the search and rescue. Teams from the Texas National Guard and state troopers have been sent to help.
He declared a state of disaster for many counties in the Hill Country area, about 70 miles north of San Antonio. On Saturday, he added more counties to the disaster list and formally asked for help from the federal government.
W. Nim Kidd, head of Texas emergency management, said on Saturday that teams are still searching for survivors. He admitted that soon the mission may shift from rescue to recovery.
.@USCG is punching through storms to evacuate Americans from central Texas.
We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible.
This is what the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard do. pic.twitter.com/2vOgkS5Hun
— Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) July 4, 2025
Rescue workers in helicopters, boats, and on foot are doing everything they can to find people alive. Governor Abbott said that all teams should continue to believe that those missing are still alive and to act quickly.
Read more: 63 Dead, Dozens Missing as Monsoon Ravages Himachal; ₹400 Cr Loss
So far, more than 850 people have been rescued—many by helicopter. Some areas affected by the flood are still without electricity and internet.
