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

eAuthorities reported on Saturday that at least 43 individuals, including 15 children, have been confirmed dead due to flash floods in central Texas, as rescuers continued their urgent search for many more campers, vacationers, and residents who remain unaccounted for.

Authorities stated that the number of casualties is expected to increase, as areas outside the primary disaster zone in Kerr County experienced the flooding’s impact. A Travis County representative indicated that four individuals had perished due to the flooding, with 13 missing, while officials announced an additional fatality in Kendall County. Certain news outlets claimed the death toll had reached as high as 52. Reuters was unable to verify that.

Officials reported that over 850 individuals were rescued, with some gripping onto trees, after an unexpected storm released up to 15 inches (38 cm) of rain in the vicinity of the Guadalupe River, approximately 85 miles (140 km) northwest of San Antonio.

Among those unaccounted for were 27 girls from the Camp Mystic summer camp, stated Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice during a press conference on Saturday evening, and there could be additional individuals missing.

Rice stated that 27 individuals were reported missing, but “we won’t assign a number to the other side since we simply don’t know.” The calamity occurred swiftly on Friday morning as more rain than expected caused river levels to rise quickly to as much as 29 feet (9 meters). Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha mentioned that 17 of the confirmed deceased, among them five children, have not yet been identified.

The National Weather Service announced that the flash flood emergency for Kerr County has mostly concluded after thunderstorms released over a foot of rain. That amounts to fifty percent of what the area experiences in an average year. A flood watch was issued until 7 p.m. for the larger area.

Camp Mystic, a long-standing Christian girls camp, faced devastation after flooding affected 700 residents. Mud marks in cabins showed water rose six feet, leaving debris scattered. Nearby, Heart O’ the Hills reported no campers were present, but co-owner Jane Ragsdale perished. Comfort, 40 miles away, experienced fallen trees and damaged bridges. Residents were rescued from rooftops as videos depicted destroyed homes. President Trump and Texas Governor Abbott discussed disaster aid, while criticism arose over the National Weather Service’s staffing cuts impacting storm predictions.