Kerrville, Texas—The death toll from devastating floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country has risen to 27, authorities confirmed Saturday. The Kerr County sheriff’s office reported that among the deceased are 18 adults and nine children, with several victims still unidentified.
Among the missing are 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a camp for young girls, prompting families and friends to flood social media with appeals for help. Officials expressed concern that many more individuals could be unaccounted for, especially tourists who may have been visiting the area.
Dalton Rice, the city manager of Kerrville, emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the number of visitors present during the flood. “We just don’t have numbers for those who might have been here on vacation,” he said during a news briefing.
Despite the urgent search for survivors, the threat of additional flooding continues. More rainfall is anticipated across Central Texas, with forecasts predicting two to four inches, while some areas could receive nearly 10 inches, according to the National Weather Service. A flood watch is currently in effect until 7 p.m.
Federal and state agencies have joined local responders in their rescue missions, evacuating more than 850 residents so far. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the Coast Guard would assist with ongoing evacuations. Meanwhile, the Red Cross is working to reunite families separated by the chaos.
As floodwaters began to recede, the extent of the damage became clearer. Scattered remnants of storm debris paint a grim picture: snapped trees, tangled power lines, and stripped bark reveal the power of the deluge. Local groups, like Cross Kingdom Church, have mobilized donations, but outreach has been hampered by disrupted communication in affected areas.
Former President Donald Trump offered his condolences in a post on social media, expressing empathy for the families impacted by the tragedy and praising the efforts of first responders. “Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best,” he wrote.
The intense flooding—characterized by a rapid 26-foot rise in the Guadalupe River within just 45 minutes—has raised concerns about the adequacy of warnings for those living and vacationing near the river. Expert meteorologists have critiqued the response to the situation, noting that while forecasts indicated potential flooding, the actual rainfall far exceeded initial predictions.
AccuWeather and the National Weather Service had issued warnings hours in advance, which raised questions about preparedness. “These warnings should have prompted efforts to evacuate camps like Camp Mystic,” said Jonathan Porter, AccuWeather’s Chief Meteorologist.
Local officials, however, defended their actions, explaining that the intensity of the rain came as an unexpected event. The chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, Nim Kidd, remarked on the discrepancy in rainfall forecasts, clarifying that the severe conditions caught many off guard.
Porter reiterated the importance of acting on flash flood warnings, regardless of predicted rainfall amounts. “Such warnings indicate an immediate risk to life and property,” he urged, underscoring the need for proactive safety measures in flood-prone areas.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the flooding, recovery efforts are ongoing, with a focus not only on locating missing individuals but also on providing support to those affected by this tragic event.