KERRVILLE, Texas (Fwrd Axis) — 51 people are dead in central Texas after devastating flash floods brought heavy water, prompting rescues along the Guadalupe River.
Of those 51 dead, the search for survivors continued Saturday night for the missing 27 girls who have not been seen since their camp was slammed with a wall of water during the overnight floods.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed a federal disaster declaration and that President Donald Trump will approve the request.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said Saturday that his property was also shaken by the flooding and he “barely got home” on Friday. He added state officials did not think the damage would be this bad.
“It’s gonna be a long time before we’re ever going to be able able to clean it up much less rebuild it,” Kelly said. “We didn’t know. We knew we’d get rain, we know the river rises but nobody saw this coming.”
Writing on Truth Social on Saturday, Trump said his administration was working with state and local officials. With Noem in attendance, the DHS oversees the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
“Melania and I are praying for all the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” Trump wrote. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
The Texas Division of Emergency Management had several meetings since Thursday to prepare, but the National Weather Service “did not predict the amount of rain” that came down.
The 27 children from Camp Mystic are still missing, according to state officials.
Camp Mystic said in an email to parents of the 750 campers that if they have not been contacted directly, their child is accounted for.
Families shared in local Facebook groups that they have received phone calls from officials saying their daughters had not yet been located and began sharing photos for them to be located.
