FEMA staff argue that the Trump administration's cuts risk undoing progress since Katrina

A group of current and former Federal Emergency Management Agency officials warned Congress on Monday that the Trump administration's sweeping changes to the disaster relief agency could reverse decades of reforms made after Hurricane Katrina.

The open letter was released as the U.S. this week marks 20 years since Katrina's 2005 landfall — sparking one of the worst natural disasters in U.S. history, with nearly 1,400 deaths according to a 2023 estimate and over $200 billion in damage in today's dollars.

The letter argues that the Trump administration — which has sought to significantly reduce FEMA and even floated the idea of abolishing the agency altogether — has made decisions that "hinder the swift execution of our mission." It states that a change in direction is necessary to "prevent not only another national catastrophe like Hurricane Katrina, but the effective dissolution of FEMA itself and the abandonment of the American people such an event would represent."

Released by the advocacy group Stand Up for Science, the "Katrina Declaration" states that it has 181 signatories. Only 35 people signed their names to the letter, while the rest chose anonymity due to "the culture of fear and suppression cultivated by this administration."

It is addressed to several congressional committees and the FEMA Review Council, which was formed by President Trump earlier this year.

The declaration alleges that Mr. Trump's picks to lead FEMA "lack proper qualifications," and criticizes the Trump administration for cutting FEMA's staff.

"Since January 2025, FEMA has been under the leadership of individuals lacking legal qualifications, Senate approval, and the demonstrated background required of a FEMA Administrator," the open letter states.

It also criticizes FEMA for terminating grants meant to help state and local governments prepare their infrastructures to withstand natural disasters and extreme weather. Two-thirds of the counties that have received those grants voted for Mr. Trump over former Vice President Kamala Harris, a CBS News investigation found earlier this year. A federal judge blocked cuts to the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities, or BRIC, program earlier this month.

In response to the letter, FEMA's acting press secretary Daniel Llargues said the Department of Homeland Security is "committed to ensuring FEMA delivers for the American people." He said the agency has been "bogged down by red tape, inefficiency, and outdated processes," and defended the Trump administration's handling of natural disasters so far this year.

The Trump Administration has made accountability and reform a priority so that taxpayer dollars actually reach the people and communities they are meant to help," Llargues said. "It is not surprising that some of the same bureaucrats who presided over decades of inefficiency are now objecting to reform. Change is always hard. It is especially for those invested in the status quo. But our obligation is to survivors, not to protecting broken systems.

FEMA has faced months of upheaval since Mr. Trump returned to office.

Days after his inauguration, the president floated either "getting rid of FEMA" or "fundamentally reforming and overhauling" the agency, casting it as overly bureaucratic and arguing that state and local governments should take on a larger role in managing natural disasters. In June, Mr. Trump said he's looking to "wean" states off of FEMA.

The White House has proposed cutting FEMA's budget for non-disaster grants by $646 million in the next fiscal year. The Trump administration is asking Congress to approve a $36.2 billion budget for FEMA, up from $33.1 billion in the fiscal year 2025 budget.

So far this year, FEMA has lost about one-third of its staff through a combination of firings and buyouts, and the administration has overhauled CBS News has previously reported that the contract renewal system covers more than two-thirds of FEMA's workforce.

The agency has had two acting leaders since Mr. Trump returned to office. Christopher Hamilton led the agency until May, when he was fired after saying he did not support eliminating FEMA. His successor, David Richardson, introduced himself to the staff CBS News reported that he warned them during an all-hands meeting, "don't get in my way," and suggested he will "run right over" people he believes are undermining the president's agenda.

The leadership change came weeks before the June 1 start of the Atlantic hurricane season. One review from May found the agency was "not ready" for hurricane season.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story listed the number of deaths caused by Hurricane Katrina at more than 1,800, a figure listed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The story has been updated to reflect that a 2023 report by the National Hurricane Center lowered the estimated number of deaths to 1,392.

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Fall River fire chief recounts heroic rescue of residents at Gabriel House

The Fall River fire chief shared emotional accounts of firefighters' heroic efforts during the Gabriel House fire on Wednesday, highlighting their life-saving actions. Nine people died in the fire, but Chief Jeffrey Bacon said many more would have perished if not for the selfless work of his firefighters.

Bacon said the 35 firefighters faced incredible moments as they climbed down ladders carrying individuals who could not walk. He said his department never stopped saving lives during the night of the fire.

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"My driver singlehandedly lifts up each victim," Bacon said, pausing emotionally. "Puts him on his shoulder, walks down a flight of stairs, screams for a medic, and every time somebody screamed for a medic, Fall River EMS was there to help provide life-saving care. Every time a victim came, Fall River police were there to deliver them to EMS to provide lifesaving care. This might sound remarkable to you, but the driver of that ladder repeated that action six times."

Officials publicly identified an eighth victim on Wednesday as Joseph Wilansky, 77. The name of the ninth victim, a 70-year-old woman, has not been released.

A memorial with flowers and candles continues to grow at the Gabriel House, where a fire late Sunday claimed the lives of nine people. Pressure is also mounting to answer what went wrong.

Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan joined the community Tuesday night for a vigil and said he is frustrated with Dennis Etzkorn, the facility's owner.

Coogan said the two spoke on the phone early Tuesday, but when he called back again Etzkorn stopped answering his calls.

Etzkorn was seen driving off in a pickup truck just after 10 p.m. Wednesday, avoiding reporters after spending the entire day at Gabriel House.

How you can donate:

• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Fall River
• Firefighters' Wives Association Inc.

"These are his residents, and he might as well push them on the sidewalk and say, 'Have a nice day,' if he's not going to follow up. He has a financial obligation to these people, and we're going to see to the best of our ability that he does what he's supposed to do for them because these people were thrown into the abyss," Coogan said.

Coogan said as of Wednesday night, overtime will be used to get more firefighters on trucks. He says every shift, six of Fall River's 10 trucks will meet national standards, with a plan to hire more firefighters down the road.

Bacon said all residents have been placed in housing, and two people remain hospitalized in critical condition.

Fall River Fire Captain Michael O'Reagan spoke Tuesday night at the city council meeting. He called the fire a "nightmare" situation for all public safety officials.

He was emotional as he thanked first responders and ordinary citizens who helped save lives.

"We had operations ... we had guys by themselves, taking people down ladders alone ... something we don't do," he said.

O'Reagan said his crews were still rescuing and recovering people after 40 minutes on Sunday.

The Bristol County District Attorney's Office identified seven of the deceased as Rui Albernaz, 64; Ronald Codega, 61; Margaret Duddy, 69; Robert King, 78; Kim Mackin, 71; Richard Rochon, 78; and Eleanor Willett, 86; and Joseph Wilansky, 77. The office said a 70-year-old woman was still pending notification of family.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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"God gave me light": Kerr County couple shares how they survived when a wall of water hit their home

KERR COUNTY, Texas (Nexstar) — Susan Johnson heard the toilet bubbling in her Kerr County home at 4 a.m. on July 4. She and her husband, Rick, knew they were in trouble as a wall of water approached their home in Ingram.

MAP: Where have flash flood deaths been confirmed in Texas?

Within minutes, that water slammed into their house located between Bumblebee Creek and the Guadalupe River in west Kerr County. The couple had to swim for their lives in the darkness, clinging to a sycamore tree for nearly two hours as flood waters raged around them.

"There's a difference between watching real hard and then a 32-foot wall coming down and hitting. There's just no time, none," Johnson said.

At least 134 people have been killed in the catastrophic flash flooding across Texas, with Kerr County suffering the heaviest toll Officials said 107 people died in the county as of July 15, including 37 children, with 97 people still missing from the greater Kerrville area.

The Johnsons' property was located at the convergence of two waterways—a geographic feature that helps explain why the Hill Country flooding proved so devastating across the region.

'Perfect storm' geography

Becky Etzler, executive director of the Riverside Nature Center in Kerrville, uses topographical maps to show visitors why the Hill Country experiences such severe flash flooding. The region's steep terrain creates a natural funnel that channels water rapidly downhill from elevations exceeding 2,000 feet to areas below 1,600 feet over short distances.

Western Kerr County is located at the headwaters of the Guadalupe River system, where multiple tributaries converge after rushing down limestone hills. When heavy rainfall occurs in the area, water flows horizontally through underground rock formations until it reaches springs that feed the river.

"It's the perfect storm, just geographically, in geology and through geologic features of, you know, this rapid, rapid, and thus flash flood alley," Etzler said.

Life-or-death escape

The Johnsons received alerts warning of extreme danger around 4 a.m., but the water rose faster than they could react. Johnson, a military veteran, used his training to guide his wife through chest-deep water to a window as their house filled rapidly. He grabbed his go-bag containing knives, flashlights and a whistle.

Outside, they faced roaring floodwaters that Johnson described as sounding like freight trains. In complete darkness, a flash of lightning illuminated a sycamore tree limb, and they managed to grab it, pulling both of them to safety.

"If I missed that tree for whatever reason we were going to hit the flood, and I mean extreme flood and no human could swim against it," Johnson said.

The couple secured themselves in the tree with Johnson's web belt about 12 to 14 feet above the ground, enduring freezing water and wind for nearly two hours until dawn broke and water levels began dropping.

Once the immediate danger passed, Johnson organized rescue efforts for his neighbors. He helped evacuate elderly residents, including a 98-year-old man and his 83-year-old wife, and coordinated with first responders who arrived around 7:30 a.m.

The neighborhood effort ensured all 19 houses were safely evacuated, although most residents lost their homes and belongings. Johnson credited the community's quick response and cooperation for preventing any deaths in their area.

Unprecedented flooding

Even facilities designed to withstand periodic flooding suffered extensive damage. The Riverside Nature Center, located in what officials designated a 500-year flood plain, experienced its first-ever inundation when both the Guadalupe River and Town Creek rose simultaneously.

Etzler said the center had never flooded despite numerous high-water events of the Guadalupe River over the years. This time, the facility sustained three feet of water in education buildings, destroying classroom materials and forcing the complete reconstruction of damaged structures.

Starting over

The Johnsons lost their home of 13 years, both vehicles and nearly all possessions. They plan to move within Kerr County but will choose higher ground away from creek and river confluences.

Johnson said his military training helped him stay focused during the crisis, but he has no desire to face such conditions again at age 67.

We're alive," he said. "Why should I be sad? We're alive.

A GoFundMe page has been established to help the Johnson family rebuild after losing their home and belongings.

Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Video shows New Mexico house being swept away amid deadly flooding

Flash flooding from torrential rain hit Ruidoso, New Mexico, killing at least three people and prompting dozens of rescues, officials said. A house was seen being carried downstream on Tuesday by the fast-moving water, a year after the same area was devastated by two wildfires.

Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford said during a press conference on Wednesday that the victims were a 4-year-old girl, a 7-year-old boy, and an unidentified man who was approximately 40-50 years old. Crawford did not release the children's identities, saying it was out of respect for their families.

Village officials said in a statement on Tuesday that the victims were swept downstream and later found dead. Ruidoso Police Chief Steven Minner said on Wednesday that authorities were trying to track down one person who was unaccounted for.

Three other people were taken to a hospital for treatment and were in stable condition, Crawford said.

Approximately 65 swift-water rescues were carried out during the flooding, the mayor said. Officials were monitoring weather conditions on Wednesday for additional threats.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement Tuesday night that she signed an emergency declaration request to get federal response teams and repair resources on the ground immediately.

We're encouraged that additional federal resources are already on the way," the Democrat said. "New Mexico is mobilizing every resource we have, but Ruidoso needs federal support to recover from this disaster. We've watched Texas receives the federal resources they desperately needed, and Ruidoso deserves that same urgent response.

The Rio Ruidoso, a river in Lincoln County, reached a record-breaking 20 feet — 5 feet higher than the previous high-water mark, the village said. CBS News meteorologist Nikki Nolan noted that at one river gauge, water levels rose almost 19 feet in just half an hour.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a statement Tuesday that the National Weather Service issued a flood watch for the South Central Mountains, including Ruidoso, at 2:46 a.m. MT. That warning was to be in effect from noon until 8 p.m. local time, NOAA said. A flash flood warning was issued for the South Fork burn scar in Lincoln County, New Mexico, at 2:12 p.m., and included a "considerable" flooding tag, which NOAA said "automatically triggers a Wireless Emergency Alert to be issued for the warned area."

NOAA said the warning was upgraded to a flash flood emergency about 30 minutes later.

Crawford said Wednesday that an emergency alert warning people to get to higher ground was issued at 1:58 p.m. for one area, and another was issued for two other areas at 2:19 p.m. An outdoor warning system was not activated because it is reserved for full-town evacuations, the mayor said.

"The localized nature of yesterday's flooding did not warrant the full-town evacuation," Crawford said.

Emergency warnings have emerged as a point of contention in the Texas flash flooding.

A video posted A post on social media by Ruidoso resident Kaitlyn Carpenter shows fast-moving water carrying a home downriver. Another video shows floodwaters bringing a myriad of debris down a riverbank before reaching a small bridge and flooding the roadway.

Carpenter, whose art studio was swept away during a flood last year, told The Associated Press that she was riding her motorcycle through town on Tuesday afternoon when the storm intensified and she sought shelter at the riverside Downshift Brewing Company with dozens of other people. She began filming debris rushing down the Rio Ruidoso when she spotted a house floating by with a familiar turquoise door. It belonged to the family of one of her best friends.

Her friend's family was not in the house and is safe, she said.

"I've been in that house and have memories in that house, so seeing it come down the river was just pretty heartbreaking," Carpenter told the AP. "I just couldn't believe it."

The area around the Rio Ruidoso and much of Lincoln County were scorched last year by wildfires , making the soil unstable and more prone to flooding. Two people died in the South Fork and Salt fires, and hundreds of homes were destroyed in June 2024.

Wildfires can significantly change the landscape, including reducing vegetation — which decreases the number of plants and roots that hold soil in place. Burn scars increase flash flooding risks for at least two years, according to the federal Burned Area Emergency Response program , which assessed the damage.

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Brooklyn and Bailey McNight's 14-Year-Old Sister Evacuated from Texas Summer Camp on a Chartered Plane Amid Deadly Flooding

The 14-year-old was away on a smaller arm of the Guadalupe River, a short distance away from the devastated Camp Mystic.

NEED TO KNOW

• Paisley, the younger sister of Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight, was at summer camp in Central Texas when extreme rainfall on July 4 caused devastating floodwaters in the area.
• The 14-year-old's camp is situated on the Guadalupe River, not far from Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. As her mother, Mindy, explained on social media, Paisley was able to sequester in cabins on higher ground to remain safe amid the floods.
• The disaster's death toll has increased to over 100 fatalities, according to the Associated Press. CNN reported that 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor are still missing.

Brooklyn and Bailey McKnight 's little sister Paisley has safely returned from her summer camp in Texas amid the deadly flooding that has devastated the area.

This week, the influencer's mom Mindy McKnight took to social media to share updates about Paisley's situation. In a since-expired post, Mindy explained that the 14-year-old's camp is situated "just miles" away from Camp Mystic , which has been tragically affected by the floodwaters.

Nearly unprecedented rainfall on Friday, July 4, caused the Guadalupe River to swell, and the death toll has steadily increased in the days since. It now stands at over 100 fatalities, Associated Press reported. 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor are still missing, said Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, per CNN .

Mindy stated that Paisley and her fellow campers were "sequestered to their cabins during all the flooding," according to reposted screenshots from since-expired Instagram Stories. Her camp is located on higher ground and sits on a "smaller arm" of the Guadalupe River. Mindy said everyone at Paisley's camp is "safe and all accounted for."

"They don't have WiFi or power and we don't know what the coming days will bring with most of the roads washed out or damaged around them," said Mindy.

Later, the mother of six posted a video update — a screen-recording of which was reposted on TikTok - confirming that Paisley and her group were still safe, but it was too risky for parents to pick up their kids at the actual site. Luckily, however, Mindy learned that her teenager was able to secure "an extra seat on a plane that another parent had chartered" to fly out of Dallas, retrieve some of the campers, and return to Dallas.

"We made the very quick, last second decision to get her on the plane because we thought we could get her home sooner," Mindy shared. "We have been working all day to coordinate this parent picking her up and the plane and getting all of her stuff and getting all the buses from the camp to the location where we had to pick her up. It's been crazy."

In Instagram Stories also reposted on TikTok , Mindy added her thanks to everyone who checked in on the family and sent thoughtful messages. She said Paisley is doing well, but "has moments that still shake her" following the evacuation. Now that she's back home, Mindy says her daughter has recounted her extreme experience on the campgrounds.

"Paisley described no power, helicopters bringing their only drinkable water, being scared during the storms, leaking roofs, toilets that wouldn't work, and being kept in the cabins for safety," Mindy wrote in a social media post.

Paisley was also unaware of the fatalities and the full extent of the flood's damage until she and her camp group were able to leave their cabins on higher ground. She then observed the destruction in her camp's lower campus and throughout the Hunt and Kerrville area, as Mindy explained.

"She described overturned cars, trees down, canoes wrapped around the tops of trees, debris, missing walls, and other difficult sights. One of her campmates is missing several family members that were still in the area camping," Mindy added.

Read the original article on newsrealtime

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Texas pediatrician fired after posting flood victims 'get what they voted for'

A Texas A pediatrician was fired and disavowed by her employers after posting a viral Facebook post about the state's deadly flooding.

The post sparked widespread outrage and even attracted attention of the Texas Medical Board. But what did the post say that was so heinous?

Dr. Christina B. Propst was bitter when she took to her former Facebook profile under the name Chris Tina. She expressed ill will toward MAGA voters , whom she indirectly blamed for the severity of the disaster.

The flooding in Texas killed 79 people, including 28 children. An additional 10 young girls and a chaperone are still missing after an all-girls summer camp, Camp Mystic, was completely destroyed by the floodwaters.

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But Propst argued in the post that the Trump administration, by cutting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), had indirectly caused the high death toll and severe damage—that the emergency response would have been better if FEMA had had more funds and staff as it used to.

"May all visitors, children, non-MAGA voters and pets be safe and dry," she wrote in the post, which has been widely circulated on X. "Kerr County MAGA voted to gut FEMA. They deny climate change. May they get what they voted for. Bless their hearts."

One of the screenshots from the post was retweeted on X by the conservative account Libs of TikTok, where it quickly went viral. That sparked a thread of hate comments towards Propst and calls for her removal.

"This is the sort of pediatric clinician employed at @BlueFishMD in Houston. The ethics, humanity and empathy illustrated here is unfathomable," one wrote.

Another commented under an X post by the head of the Texas Medical Board, Dr. Sherif Zaafran, urging him to do something about the post.

"Sir, have you seen this? Please tell us this person is not allowed anywhere near patients in Texas?" that user wrote. "We are residents here, and find this behind horrific & also very dangerous. Please help. Thank you."

Zaafran responded by attaching a screenshot of the response from Blue Fish Pediatrics, Propst's employer. "Thank you for alerting us to this. I was made aware of this earlier," he wrote.

"This is the response from her employer attached here. There is no room for politicization. The entire focus needs to be on searching for survivors. Any complaints we may receive will be thoroughly investigated," he continued.

The full message is now an alert at the top of Blue Fish Pediatrics' website. It reads, in part, "We are aware that a personal social media comment by one of our physicians has caused significant hurt and outrage. The content and timing of that post do not reflect the values, standards, or mission of Blue Fish Pediatrics. We want to be clear: we do not support or condone any statement that politicizes tragedy, diminishes human dignity, or fails to clearly uphold compassion for every child and family, regardless of background or beliefs."

It continued, "In moments of crisis, we believe in unity over division, healing over judgment, and humility over rhetoric." "We are taking this matter seriously, reviewing it internally, and have placed the physician on administrative leave.

It notes that the practice "exists for one purpose only — to provide excellent, loving, and respectful care to all children and their families." The company's patients reportedly "come from every walk of life, every political belief, and every background."

The Provost's profile page was removed from the Blue Fish Pediatrics website as well as the Memorial Hermann website, which also posted a statement on X about the post. It reads nearly identically to the one posted by Blue Fish Pediatrics but adds that the provider was never an employee of the Texas medical center.

Other X users dug deep into Propst's history and found that she served as an activist for a time and largely used her social media platforms to rail against Trump and voice her support for former Vice President and presidential nominee Kamala Harris, who lost to Trump in the 2024 election.

One user slammed the intersection of science and politics and urged Propst and other doctors to set aside their political beliefs and focus on their jobs — saving lives and caring for everyone, regardless of their background and beliefs.

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The owner's family of the Kansas City Chiefs faces heartbreaking loss as a 9-year-old relative dies in catastrophic Texas floods

Clark Hunt, owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, and his loved ones are among many grieving after 9-year-old Janie Hunt, a young relative, became one of the victims of the devastating floods that swept through Central Texas over the weekend.

Janie was attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp nestled along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, when torrential rains caused the river to swell. In just 45 minutes, the river rose 26 feet, fueled by nearly 10 inches of rain that fell in a matter of hours.

CNN reported That as of Monday, the death toll had risen to at least 89, with many others still unaccounted for.

Tavia Hunt, wife of Clark Hunt, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram , expressing both grief and deep faith.

Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friends' little girls, she wrote .

Tavia's message didn't shy away from the heavy spiritual question that often follows in the wake of tragedy: "How do we trust a God who is supposed to be good, all knowing and all powerful, but who allows such terrible things to happen — even to children," she said .

She turned to multiple scriptures in search of comfort and strength, offering words of solace to others suffering in the aftermath.

If your heart is broken, I assure you God is near, she said He is gentle with your wounds. And He is still worthy—even when your soul is struggling to believe it. Trust doesn’t mean you’re over the pain; it means you’re handing it to the only One who can hold it with love and restore what was lost. For we do not grieve as those without hope.

Approximately 750 children were attending Camp Mystic at the time of the flooding. The camp confirmed that at least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, and several others are still missing. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 10 campers and one counselor were still unaccounted for as of Monday.

In a public statement posted to their website , Camp Mystic expressed its sorrow: "Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly. We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from community, first responders, and officials at every level. We ask for your continued prayers, respect and privacy for each of our families affected. May the Lord continue to wrap His presence around all of us."

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. told CNN that no warning was given about the scale of the rainfall or the risk of such catastrophic flooding.

It all happened upriver at the worst possible place, Herring said And I think everyone in Kerrville, everyone in Kerr County wishes we had some way to warn them. To warn those people. I've lost two friends. We loved them and they're gone. You know they're gone. Everyone here, if we could have warned them we would have done so. And we didn't even have a warning. We did not know.

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2 Dallas girls killed in flooding at Camp Mystic, families say

Two North Texas girls missing from Camp Mystic Nine children have been confirmed dead in the wake of catastrophic Central Texas flooding: Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8, CBS News Texas confirmed on Sunday.

A sign posted outside the home of 8-year-old Eloise Peck stated that "she lost her life in the tragic flooding." The family asked for privacy to mourn.

Bonner's family confirmed on Saturday that She was among the children who had died in the flood. .

Bonner and Peck were two of the three girls from Dallas — the other being 8-year-old Hadley Hanna — who were among a group of missing Camp Mystic campers, unaccounted for following the flash floods that swept through Kerr County early Friday.

Monday morning, Camp Mystic confirmed that 27 campers and counselors died in the flash flooding that swept through the area.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy," the camp said in a statement. on its website We are praying for them constantly.

Camp Mystic's owner and director Dick Eastland, 74, also died while trying to save girls at the camp, according to local media reports .

At a news conference on Sunday, officials said at least 10 Camp Mystic campers were still missing , along with one counselor.

Hadley Hanna is among those still missing.

There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said.

Dallas sisters among the dozens killed in Central Texas flooding

Two sisters from Dallas - 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber - were among the dozens of lives lost in the catastrophic floods that swept through Central Texas early Friday.

Their deaths were confirmed Saturday by St. Rita Catholic Community. Blair was preparing to enter eighth grade, and Brooke was set to begin sixth grade at St. Rita Catholic School.

The sisters were not attending Camp Mystic, but were in the area when the flooding occurred.

Dozens dead, many still missing

As of Monday morning, at least 82 have died and at least 41 more are missing, according to officials, following the devastating flash floods that hit the Texas Hill Country. Rescue operations remain ongoing across the area.

Authorities caution that not all of the campers are confirmed missing — some may be unreachable due to storm-related communication outages — but the uncertainty has left families anxiously awaiting updates.

According to the camp's website, children become eligible to attend Camp Mystic, located in Hunt, Texas, along the Guadalupe River, after completing second grade.

My instruction to every state agency involved in this is to assume everybody who is missing is alive," Abbott said during a news conference on Saturday. "And there is a need for speed - not just every hour. Every minute counts, which is why there are people in the air, people in the water, people on the ground right now because they are looking to save every last life. And we will not give up that effort.

Trump signs federal disaster declaration for Kerr County

President Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday morning, at Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp for the first time, calling the scene "horrendously ravaged" in a social media post.

Abbott encouraged all Texans to pause in reflection and prayer on Sunday, and also to "seek God's wisdom, peace, and mercy during this time of need for so many Texas families."

Large-scale response underway

In response, authorities have launched a large-scale search effort, deploying helicopters, Texas game wardens, and specialized rescue teams. Several children have already been rescued from trees and other stranded locations.

Rescuers scoured flooded riverbanks littered with mangled trees Saturday and turned over rocks in the search for more than two dozen children from a girls' camp and many others missing after a wall of water swept down a river in the Texas Hill Country.

Col. Freeman Martin with the Texas Department of Public Safety said there are still unidentified victims at funeral homes, including adults and children.

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Shakira, Maren Morris, more stars speak out on 'devastating' Texas flooding

Shakira may be busy on the road, but she's taking a moment to wrap her arms around the Lone Star State .

As Texas battles a deadly surge of flash flooding, the Colombian pop superstar , who has been crisscrossing North America on her The Women No Longer Cry World Tour , announced on July 5 that she was donating the proceeds from her San Antonio concert to Catholic Charities of San Antonio .

"Dear San Antonio, our hearts and prayers are with those affected by the flood in central Texas," Shakira wrote in an X post We are donating a portion of tonight's show proceeds to Catholic Charities of San Antonio, who are providing disaster relief to the families impacted.

Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.

The Grammy-winning singer , 48, also encouraged her fans to assist relief efforts by donating to the humanitarian aid organization. "Your help is important and appreciated," she added.

Historic flash floods Swept across central Texas after relentless rainfall on Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4, causing devastating flooding. Local authorities said at least 81 people have died.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott noted at a July 6 news conference that search and rescue efforts were still underway as at least 41 people remained unaccounted for.

As of July 6, authorities had recovered the bodies of 40 adults and 28 children in Kerr County, where the worst of the flooding occurred, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha announced. Forecasters expect several more inches of rain and warned of additional flooding and a worsening of conditions on the ground.

Here's what other stars are saying about the natural disaster.

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Miranda Lambert encourages animal welfare during Texas floods

Miranda Lambert is looking out for the animals as massive flooding devastates her home state.

The acclaimed country singer-songwriter, who comes from Longview, Texas, announced on social media that her nonprofit organization, MuttNation, was starting a fundraiser to help pet owners amid the displacement caused by the floods.

"I can't even come up with any words for the loss that everybody's suffering," Lambert, 41, said in a July 5 video shared on Instagram.

Texas flood live updates: Flood-stricken state faces more rain; death toll at 81

Maren Morris laments 'devastating' Texas floods

Maren Morris is a Texan cowgirl through and through.

The Grammy-winning country singer, who was born in Arlington, Texas, reflected that she was "thinking of my home state right now" emotionally Instagram post On July 5, "The floods are devastating, and people are still missing," she wrote alongside a photo carousel that included a childhood picture of herself.

Humanitarian relief for Texas flooding: Here's how you can help

There are several places to donate, but I'll be donating to an incredibly impactful fund called the Texas Hill Country Community Foundation ," Morris, 35, added. "They've set up a specific fund to support local efforts (nonprofits, local government, first responders and local shelters).

Contributing: Susan Miller, Christopher Cann, and Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shakira, Maren Morris, more stars speak out on 'devastating' Texas flooding

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Texas flooding latest: Two sisters among 51 dead as desperate search for campers swept away enters third day

LIVE – Updated at 08:10

Four girls missing from a summer camp were found dead after a desperate search for dozens of other campers continues after devastating floods hit Texas , killing at least 51.

At least 15 children were killed as a result of what Texas GOP Congressman Chip Roy called a "once-in-a-century flood." More than 850 people from around the region have been rescued or evacuated, officials said Saturday.

Two girls — 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke — were among those killed by the floods, their father told CNN on Saturday night. Harber said Blair "was a gifted student and had a generous, kind heart," and described Brooke as "like a light in any room, people gravitated to her and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment."

There are also 27 girls still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River that was ravaged by the floods, officials said. At least four girls who attended Camp Mystic have been confirmed dead, according to reports , marking a tragic end to a day-long search.

The unexpected flash flooding struck on Friday after torrential rain along the Guadalupe River. The destructive force of the fast-rising waters just before dawn on Friday washed out homes and swept away vehicles.

Key Points

• Death toll rises to 51
• Witness accounts reveal the horror of the floods
• Mapped: Where was hit by the deadly flooding?
• How the Texas Hill Country flood went from small water flow to deadly tide in a matter of hours
• Trump 'heartbroken' over Texas flooding

08:08 , Alex Croft

Witness recalls 'indescribable' moment of the flooding

07:47 , Alex Croft

Tonia Fucci, a Pennsylvania resident visiting her grandmother for the Independence Day weekend, woke early on Friday to the sound of heavy rain "coming down in buckets."

"It's indescribable, the sounds, of how loud they were, which turned out to be ... the massive cypress trees that came down along the river," she told a Reuters reporter in an interview the next day.

Ms. Fucci filmed on her phone a torrent of muddy water flooding the road to her grandmother's house and two recreational vehicles in a parking lot, with their wheels submerged in water.

"I'm still in shock today," Fucci told Reuters news agency There are so many missing children and missing people. You just want them to be found for the families' sake. But, you know, it's not going to be a good ending... There's no way people could have survived the speed of the water.

Ms. Fucci said she had received National Weather alerts on her phone hours after the flood had already hit. The residents of the town had to rely on one another, as they ran to their neighbors to see who needed help before rescue teams arrived.

"Something I've never seen before. You knew it was tragedy," Ms. Fucci said.

ICYMI: Congressman reunited with daughters after flooding

07:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Representative August Pfluger shared that he and his wife were reunited with their two daughters, who were attending Camp Mystic.

"Camille, Vivian, and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana, who were evacuated from Camp Mystic," he wrote The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families, and we mourn with them as well as hold out hope for survivors.

Texas officials question scaled-back Weather Service's actions on the night of the floods — but experts say the agency did all it could

05:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Texas officials are questioning the actions of the National Weather Service قبل يوم الجمعة الذي شهَدَ فيضانات قاتلة، حيث دافع زملاؤه من أخصائيي الجوي عن الوكالة.

Some state and local officials say the NWS didn't provide accurate forecasts ahead of Friday's destructive flooding months after President Donald Trump's administration gutted the agency and experts warned forecasts could suffer.

Continue reading:

Texas officials question NWS actions amid floods as experts defend the agency

62-year-old woman found dead in San Angelo

04:25 , Katie Hawkinson

A 62-year-old woman was found dead amid floodwaters in San Angelo, Texas.

Tanya Burwick's body was recovered several blocks from her submerged car, the San Angelo Police Department said .

Death toll rises to 52

03:53 , Katie Hawkinson

Fifty-two people have been killed by the disastrous flooding in central Texas, according to a new tally Saturday evening by T The New York Times .

Trump 'heartbroken' over Texas flooding

03:46 , Katie Hawkinson

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said President Donald Trump is "heartbroken" over the Texas flooding.

"Know that President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what's happened here in Texas," Noem said.

"Relief will be coming," Noem added, noting that Trump has indicated he'll accept Texas Governor Greg Abbott's request for federal aid.

Man recounts rescuing victim caught in floodwaters

03:25 , Katie Hawkinson

Texas resident Carl Jeter told CNN he helped rescue a woman swept away in the Guadalupe River as heavy storms battered the state.

The woman was stuck in the Guadalupe River for four hours before pulling herself up onto a tree, Jeter told CNN .

He called the police to rescue her, but when they didn't arrive within 30 minutes, he sprang into action.

Jeter said he got into his car and flagged down a nearby rescue officer. Soon afterward, a water rescue team helped get the woman to safety.

She then waited inside Jeter's home until a family member picked her up.

It's a true miracle," Jeter told CNN. "We've been on the river for a long time and that's not something that is survivable.

Photos of rescue teams searching for missing campers after Texas Hill Country flash flood

02:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Photos of rescue teams searching for missing campers after Texas Hill Country flash flood

How the Texas Hill Country flood went from small water flow to deadly tide in a matter of hours

02:30 , Erin Keller

A powerful flash flood hit Central Texas' Hill Country late Friday into early Saturday, leaving at least 27 people dead , including children, while many more are still missing.

Most of the missing were attending Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

What began as a routine flood watch quickly turned into a deadly disaster . The National Weather Service predicted between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with some isolated areas possibly receiving 5 to 7 inches. Instead, parts of Kerr County were hit with 10 to 15 inches, and in some places, over 20 inches, within a few hours.

Continue reading:

How the Texas Hill Country Flood Turned Deadly in Just Hours

Girl ‘living her best life’ at camp and man who saved his family. Everything we know about Texas flooding victims

02:00 , Katie Hawkinson

Everything we know about Texas flooding victims

Texas officials prioritizing search and rescue

01:45 , Katie Hawkinson

Texas officials are prioritizing search and rescue efforts, Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said on Saturday evening.

We're really focused on life safety," he said. "Our primary focus is on search and rescue of every single person involved, and we'll continue through the night to make sure that happens.

"We're in a marathon, and we have to make sure we always think about that and look after each other," he added.

Two girls died in flooding in Kerr County: report

01:20 , Katie Hawkinson

Two girls — 13-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke — were killed by the floods in Kerr County, their father told CNN on Saturday night.

Harber said Blair "was a gifted student and had a generous, kind heart."

He described Brooke as "like a light in any room; people gravitated to her, and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment."

Death toll rises to 51

Sunday, 6 July 2025 00:59 , Katie Hawkinson

The Texas flooding death toll has risen to 51 people.

43 people were killed in Kerr County, including 15 children. The floods killed another four people in Travis County, three people in Burnet County, and one person in Kendall County.

Grok uses climate change statistics to explain Karoline Leavitt's post about Texas floods

Sunday, 6 July 2025 00:44 , Ariana Baio

Grok, Elon Musk's artificial intelligence bot on X, summarized a post from the White House Press Secretary regarding the devastating Texas floods , providing information on how global warming increases the likelihood of extreme weather.

Read more:

Grok uses climate change statistics to explain Trump's post about Texas floods

27 children still missing from Camp Mystic

Sunday, 6 July 2025 00:21 , Katie Hawkinson

Twenty-seven children are still missing from Camp Mystic, authorities said on Saturday evening, indicating no change from earlier in the day.

Authorities said they are rescuing people by the hundreds.

Death toll rises to 43

Sunday, 6 July 2025 00:12 , Katie Hawkinson

This week's catastrophic flooding has killed at least 43 people in Kerr County, Texas, officials revealed at a Saturday evening press conference.

The fatalities include 15 children and 28 adults.

Watch: Texas flood victim clinging to tree is airlifted out of danger in dramatic rescue

Saturday, 5 July 2025 23:55 , Katie Hawkinson

Georgia Congressional candidate shares conspiracy theories amid floods

Saturday, 5 July 2025 23:40 , Katie Hawkinson

A woman running for Congress in Georgia is spreading conspiracy theories claiming that devastating weather events — like floods and hurricanes — are "fake."

Her comments come amid the devastating flooding in Texas.

Kandiss Taylor wrote on X Fake weather. Fake hurricanes. Fake flooding. Fake. Fake. Fake.

“Whack weather patterns creating crises that are portrayed to be natural and real, but when weather is manipulated, it is a fake progression not natural,” she added.

It is not possible to artificially create or manipulate large-scale weather events like hurricanes.

When another X user accused Taylor of "making false claims" about the Texas floods to "get attention," the candidate said she was praying "nonstop" for those affected.

I wasn't speaking about that event specifically," Taylor wrote. "However, if weather was modified there, it is murder. We better speak up.

Rep. Pfluger reunited with his children

Saturday, 5 July 2025 23:26 , Katie Hawkinson

Representative August Pfluger shared that he and his wife were reunited with their two daughters, who were attending Camp Mystic.

"Camille, Vivian, and I are now reunited with Caroline and Juliana, who were evacuated from Camp Mystic," he wrote The last day has brought unimaginable grief to many families, and we mourn with them as well as hold out hope for survivors.

ICYMI: State officials vow to continue efforts until 'every single person' is located

Saturday, 5 July 2025 23:20 , Kelly Rissman

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott promised a 'relentless' response effort after floods rampaged parts of his home state.

“We will be relentless in going after and making sure we locate every single person who has been a victim of this flooding event,” Abbott said at a Saturday afternoon press conference. “We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow. We’ll stop when the job is completed.”

Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, echoed this sentiment. He said his team refuses to quit searching until every missing person has been found: "We will not stop until we find every one of them."

Ground crews, air assets, and boats have been working to search for missing people, Kidd added. Recovery efforts have not yet begun.

How the Texas Hill Country flood turned into a deadly tide within hours

Saturday, 5 July 2025 23:00 , Kelly Rissman

A powerful flash flood hit Central Texas' Hill Country late Friday into early Saturday, leaving at least 27 people dead, including children, while many more are still missing.

Most of the missing were attending Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

What began as a routine flood watch quickly turned into a deadly disaster. The National Weather Service predicted between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with some isolated spots possibly receiving 5 to 7 inches. Instead, parts of Kerr County were hit with 10 to 15 inches, and in some places, over 20 inches, within a few hours.

San Antonio Express-News newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze said the storm was fueled by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. These combined to create a slow-moving weather system that remained over the area and dumped heavy rain over hills and valleys.

The geography of Hill Country made things worse. The steep hills and rocky land don't absorb water well, so rain quickly flows into creeks and rivers. This caused the Guadalupe River to rise more than 20 feet in a matter of hours.

Erin Keller has the story.

How the Texas Hill Country Flood Turned Deadly in Just Hours

More rainfall hits San Antonio area

Saturday, 5 July 2025 22:40 , Kelly Rissman

The National Weather Service warns of "life-threatening flash flooding" in parts of Texas as storms continue to batter the already-devastated region.

In Burnet County, between 5 and 10 inches of rain have fallen, the agency said.

The service warned locals not to drive on flooded roads, noting that "most flood deaths occur in vehicles."

WATCH: Rep. Chip Roy on deadly Texas flooding

Saturday, 5 July 2025 22:20 , Kelly Rissman

Noem addresses delayed flood warning alerts from 'ancient' system

Saturday, 5 July 2025 22:03 , Kelly Rissman

At a press conference on Saturday afternoon, Noem was asked about the delayed text alerts regarding the incoming flash floods: "Wasn't that a fundamental failure of the federal government's responsibility to keep us safe?"

The Homeland Security secretary admitted that there are times when the National Weather Service hasn't provided up-to-date alerts. Trump is "currently upgrading the technology," she said.

The National Weather Service and NOAA have acknowledged "we needed to renew this ancient system that has been left in place with the federal government for many, many years," she added.

Death toll rises to 32, Kerr County Sheriff says

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:43 , Kelly Rissman

The death toll after the floods has risen to 32, with 18 adults and 14 children having lost their lives in the disaster, the Kerr County sheriff said.

Five of the adults and three of the children remain unidentified, Sheriff Larry Leitha said.

Kidd said his team is still searching for people, noting that recovery efforts have not yet begun.

Officials detail response after 'once-in-a-century flood'

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:39 , Kelly Rissman

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said he lives along the Guadalupe River: "Our properties were devastated."

He saw body bags and witnessed firsthand the devastation from the floods. The judge added: "We know we get rains, we know the river rises. But nobody saw this coming."

Texas GOP Congressman Chip Roy called the disaster a "once-in-a-century flood."

Nim Kidd, Chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said his team refuses to quit searching until every missing person has been found: "We will not stop until we find every one of them."

There are 1,300 additional personnel working on the response as well as 906 state assets, Kidd said.

Noem plans to visit Camp Mystic, she says at news conference

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:31 , Kelly Rissman

In 36 hours, more than 850 people have been rescued, the governor said.

Noem said she plans to visit Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River from where 27 girls have gone missing.

President Trump is 'heartbroken' by Texas floods, Noem says

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:21 , Kelly Rissman

"Know that President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what's happened here in Texas," Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem said at a Saturday afternoon press conference, noting the president is committed to using federal resources to help the state.

She called the disaster "unprecedented."

We will be relentless in going after and making sure we locate every single person who has been a victim of this flooding event," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said. "We're not going to stop today or tomorrow. We'll stop when the job is completed.

After signing a disaster declaration on Friday, the governor signed an expanded declaration to include additional counties impacted by the heavy rainfall and floods. Abbott also signed a request for federal assistance.

"That relief will be coming," Noem said. She noted that Trump indicated he would accept the request.

In photos: The aftermath of the floods in Kerrville

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:15 , Kelly Rissman

How the Texas Hill Country flood went from small water flow to deadly tide

Saturday, 5 July 2025 21:00 , Kelly Rissman

A powerful flash flood hit Central Texas' Hill Country late Friday into early Saturday, leaving at least 27 people dead, including children, while many more are still missing.

Most of the missing were attending Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

What began as a routine flood watch quickly turned into a deadly disaster. The National Weather Service predicted between 1 and 3 inches of rain, with some isolated spots possibly receiving 5 to 7 inches. Instead, parts of Kerr County were hit with 10 to 15 inches, and in some places, over 20 inches, within a few hours.

San Antonio Express-News newsroom meteorologist Anthony Franze said the storm was fueled by warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and remnants of Tropical Storm Barry. These combined to create a slow-moving weather system that remained over the area and brought heavy rain to hills and valleys.

Erin Keller has the story.

How the Texas Hill Country Flood Turned Deadly in Just Hours

Officials to provide updates on search and rescue efforts

Saturday, 5 July 2025 20:45 , Kelly Rissman

State and federal officials will host a press conference at 2:45 p.m. local time "to update Texans on ongoing search & rescue efforts in counties affected by flooding," according to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's press office.

More rain is expected to hit south central Texas

Saturday, 5 July 2025, 20:30 , Kelly Rissman

A flash flood watch is now in effect for parts of Texas near Austin and San Antonio, the National Weather Service warned.

The rain is expected to pummel the same area that has been hit with lots of rain over the past 24 hours.

"Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations," the agency warned.

Two others confirmed dead in Travis County, officials say

Saturday, 5 July 2025 20:15 , Kelly Rissman

Two others have died and an additional 10 have been reported missing after floods ravaged the region, according to Travis County Emergency Services District 1.

One of the missing people is a 17-year-old girl, according to KXAN.

"We literally had homes that were washed away. We had people trapped in homes," Travis County Fire Chief Donnie Norman told KXAN Many of these residents were rescued, he added.

Officials have urged locals to resist the urge to join the search.

"Don't become a statistic, please stay home," Norman added.

Two more campers confirmed dead after catastrophic floods

Saturday, 5 July 2025 20:00 , Kelly Rissman

The families of two girls who went missing after floods devastated Camp Mystic — Sarah Marsh and Lila Bonner — confirmed the tragic news.

Alabama Republican Senator Katie Boyd Britt issued a statement regarding Marsh's passing. "Wesley and I are heartbroken over the loss of Sarah Marsh, and we are keeping her family in our thoughts and prayers during this unimaginable time," she wrote Saturday afternoon.

We continue to pray for the victims’ loved ones, the survivors, those who are still missing, and our brave first responders as search and rescue efforts continue in Texas.

Bonner's family sent a statement to CNN about their 9-year-old: "In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," the family said in a statement. "We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss."

WATCH: Texas flooding: North Texas girls missing

Saturday, 5 July 2025 19:45 , Kelly Rissman

Flash floods form rapidly — here's why they're so dangerous

Saturday, 5 July 2025, 19:30 , Kelly Rissman

According to the National Weather Service A flash flood is flooding that begins within six hours, and often in as little as three hours, of heavy rainfall.

Waters rise so quickly that people are caught off guard, according to the weather service. Many people run into trouble while traveling. If at home or work, the water can rise so quickly that people are trapped before they have time to think about escape.

That is exactly what happened to residents along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County and the surrounding areas after at least 10 inches (25 centimeters) of rain fell early Friday morning.

Here’s the full story.

Why flash floods are so dangerous as Texas storm leaves 24 dead

Texas AG sends prayers to families during time of "unimaginable pain and suffering"

Saturday, 5 July 2025 19:15 , Kelly Rissman

The state's Attorney General Ken Paxton issued a statement in the wake of the floods.

"This tragic unimaginable flood in the hill country has brought so much loss and devastation. This morning Texans are praying for these families. God be with them during this time of unimaginable pain and suffering," he wrote in a social media post Saturday morning.

I want to thank all of the first responders and volunteers who are working around the clock. This is a truly tragic situation. My office stands ready to assist in any way we can for the victims of this tragic situation. Our hearts mourn with you.

More than 850 people rescued as search efforts continue

Saturday, 5 July 2025 19:00 , Kelly Rissman

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office announced that 850 uninjured individuals and eight injured individuals have been rescued following the floods that devastated the area.

Tragically, 27 people — 18 adults and nine children — died in the catastrophic floods. Six adults and one child are currently unidentified, according to the sheriff's office in a Saturday morning statement.

"We are unable to release any further information on the deceased at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and their loved ones. We are working hard to locate anyone who is still missing and ensure they are safe," the sheriff's office said.

Officials are still searching for 27 missing children who attended Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

Other locals visiting the area could also be missing, but officials haven't attempted to calculate that number, they said Saturday morning.

Mother reunites with Camp Mystic girl: 'We are so grateful'

Saturday, 5 July 2025 18:45 , Kelly Rissman

Reunification efforts are underway after 27 people were killed in the catastrophic floods in Texas.

More than two dozen girls attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, are still missing.

Jenny MacLennan told the New York Times she's "grateful" to be a parent who has been reunited with her 10-year-old daughter. The girl's cabin was on high ground above the floods, she told the outlet.

It's completely devastating" that so many families haven't reunited with their children, MacLennan said. "We were one of the ones that did, and we are so grateful.

The Red Cross is assisting with reunification, according to the Kerr County sheriff's office.

If you are missing someone during this emergency, please call 800.733.2767.

Flash floods pummel south-central Texas

Saturday, 5 July 2025 18:15 , Kelly Rissman

Texas prepares for more flash floods as rescue operations continue for at least 27 missing girls.

South central Texas can expect additional flash floods near the Guadalupe River, which surged 29 feet in a matter of hours, according to the National Weather Service.

Officials urged locals to evacuate immediately or find higher ground if evacuation isn't possible.

En fotos: Devastación tras inundaciones repentinas que azotaron partes de Texas

Saturday, 5 July 2025 18:01 , Kelly Rissman

Why flash floods are so dangerous

Saturday, 5 July 2025 18:00 , Kelly Rissman

A monstrous, swift-moving flood swept through the Hill Country of west-central Texas Friday, while many families celebrated 4 July.

Latest reports suggest at least 24 have been killed.

Additionally, nearly two dozen remain missing—many of them children attending a Christian camp. The search continues as desperate families post social media pictures of their loved ones in a desperate bid to find them.

The tragedy has been officially categorized as a flash flood, the nation's top storm-related killer.

Read the full story.

Why flash floods are so dangerous as Texas storm leaves 24 dead

Kerrville mayor calls it a 'hard day' as death toll rises to 27

Saturday, 5 July 2025 17:45 , Kelly Rissman

"Today will be a hard day. It will be a hard day," said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. at a Saturday morning press conference.

At that news conference, officials announced that the death toll had risen to 27, with the lives of 18 adults and nine children lost to the flash floods.

He thanked federal resources for aiding the community. The mayor said people from all over the country and around the world have asked how they can help Kerrville. "Please pray for our community," he said.

Read More

I looked into the eyes of a man who blew himself up on the Tube. I still see him everywhere.

Two decades have passed since the 2005 London attacks, but the face of the lead suicide bomber, Mohammad Sidique Khan, has never left Dan Biddle's memory.

It feels as real today as the day they looked into each other's eyes.

"I can be in the kitchen and he is standing in the garden," says Dan, who has complex post-traumatic stress disorder.

He's there, dressed as he was on that day, holding the rucksack, just with his hand above it, about to detonate it again.

Even if Dan looks away, the bomber is still there when he looks back.

"I saw this guy literally disassemble himself in front of me, and now I'm seeing him again."

Warning: This article contains details some readers may find distressing

• 7 July London bombings: What happened that day?

Dan was in close proximity to Khan, on a rush-hour London Underground Circle line train on 7 July 2005. How he survived is almost beyond rational explanation.

As we pulled out of Edgware Road station, I could feel somebody staring at me. I was just about to turn around and say, 'What are you looking at?', when I saw him put his hand in the bag.

And then there was just a brilliant white, bright flash—heat like I've never experienced before.

Khan had detonated a homemade bomb—made using an al-Qaeda-devised chemical recipe—that he was carrying in his rucksack.

The device killed David Foulkes, 22, Jennifer Nicholson, 24, Laura Webb, 29, Jonathan Downey, 34, Colin Morley and Michael Brewster, both 52.

In total, 52 people were killed that day , caused by four bombs detonated by Islamist extremists. Another 770 were injured.

Dan was blown out of the train, hit the tunnel wall, and fell into the crawl space between the tunnel wall and the track.

His injuries were catastrophic. His left leg was blown off. His right leg was severed from the knee down. He suffered second and third-degree burns to his arms, hands, and face. He lost his left eye—and his hearing on that side too.

He suffered a massive laceration to his forehead. A pole from the tube train's internal fittings penetrated his body, causing punctures and ruptures to his kidneys, lungs, colon, and bowel. He later lost his spleen.

Dan was the most severely injured victim of the attacks to survive. And he was conscious throughout.

He initially thought the white flash was an electrical explosion.

Debris had fallen onto him, and his arms and hands were on fire. He could see the flames flickering.

Right after the explosion, you could have heard a pin drop. It was almost as if everybody had just taken a big breath," Dan says, "and then it was like opening the gates of hell. Screaming like I've never heard before.

Dan could see some of the dead. He tried to push down to lever himself up from the debris. He realised how profusely he was bleeding.

"The initial feeling was one of total disbelief. It was like, surely God, this is just a nightmare."

Dan's mind immediately turned to his father, and how he couldn't bear for him to witness this.

My dad cannot be the person that walks into a mortuary and says, 'Yeah, that's my son'," Dan says. "I couldn't bear the thought of that.

He didn't believe he would get out of the tunnel. But the will to survive instinctively kicked in and he screamed for help.

The first person to respond was fellow passenger Adrian Heili, who had served as a combat medic during the Kosovo war. If it had been anyone else, Dan believes he would have died.

The first thing he said to me was, 'Don't worry, I've been in this situation before, and never lost anyone.'

And I'm thinking, 'How can you have gone through this before?'

"And then he said to me: 'I'm not going to lie to you. This is really going to hurt.'"

Adrian applied a tourniquet and clamped the artery in Dan's thigh to prevent him from bleeding to death. Dan's life was literally in Adrian's hands until paramedics arrived approximately half an hour later.

Adrian helped many more in the hours that followed—and in 2009 received the Queen's Commendation for Bravery.

Dan's trauma was far from over. He was taken to nearby St Mary's Hospital where he repeatedly went into cardiac arrest. At one point, a surgeon had to manually massage his heart to bring him back to life. He was given 87 units of blood.

I think there's something in all of us - that fundamental desire to live.

Very few people ever get pushed to the degree where that's required.

"My survival is down to Adrian and the phenomenal care and just brilliance of the NHS and my wife."

Physical survival was one thing. But the toll on Dan's mental health was another.

After eight weeks in an induced coma, Dan began a year-long journey toward leaving the hospital—and he realized he would have to navigate the world outside differently.

His nights became consumed with mental torture.

He dreaded having to close his eyes and go to sleep because he would find himself back in the tunnel.

I wake up and [the bomber] is standing next to me," Dan says. "I'll be driving—he's in the back seat of my car. I'll look in the shop window and there's a reflection of him—on the other side of the street.

Those flashbacks have led to what Dan describes as survivor's guilt.

"I've replayed that moment a million times over in my head. Was there something about me that made him do it? Should I have seen something about him then tried to stop it?"

By 2013 Dan had reached a dangerous low. He tried to take his own life three times.

But he had also started a relationship with his now-wife Gem—and this was a crucial turning point.

The next time he came close to suicide, it was Gem's face he saw when he closed his eyes, and he realized that if he ended his own life, he would inflict appalling trauma on her.

Gem persuaded Dan to take a mental health assessment—and he began to get the expert help he needed.

In 2014 he agreed—together with his therapy and attempts to manage the condition—to do something he thought he would never do: return to Edgware Road.

When the day came, Dan sat outside the station experiencing flashbacks and hearing the sounds of 7/7 again: screams, shouting, and sirens.

He and Gem pressed on. As they entered the ticket hall, there were more flashbacks.

The station manager and staff were expecting him and asked if he wanted to go down to the platform. Dan said it was a "bridge too far". Gem insisted they all go together.

When they reached the platform, a train pulled in. Dan began to feel sick. But the train quietly moved on without incident—and by the time a third train had arrived, he found the courage to board it.

I feel really, really sick. I'm sweating. She's crying. I'm tensing, waiting for a blast. I'm waiting for that big heat and that pressure to hit me.

And then the train stopped at the point in the tunnel where the bomb had gone off—an arrangement between the driver and the station manager.

They had stopped the train exactly where I had been lying. I remember looking down at the floor, and it was a really weird feeling—knowing that my life had really come to an end there.

As the train pulled away, something inside Dan urged him to get off at the next station and move forward with his life.

"I'm going to leave the station, I'm going to do whatever I'm going to do today, and then I'm going to marry this amazing, beautiful woman," he says. The two tied the knot the following year.

Eleven years later, Dan feels compelled to do something positive with his life.

He now runs his own company helping disabled people find employment—a professional journey he might never have undertaken had it not been for the bomb.

He still has flashbacks and bad days, but he's finding ways to manage them—and has published a book about what he has been through.

I'm very lucky to still be alive. I've paid an immense, enormous price. I'll just keep fighting every day to make sure that he and his actions never win.

A list of organizations in the UK offering support and information regarding some of the issues in this story is available at newsrealtime Action Line

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Texas flash flood horror as graphic images show inside ruined Camp Mystic bedrooms

Hours after a devastating flash flood swept away campers on Saturday, official images have surfaced depicting the wreckage of several girls' bedrooms at Camp Mystic. The photographs reveal walls of a cabin at the beloved Texas camp obliterated, with relentless rain continuing to batter the state.

Camp Mystic is nestled in Hunt, Texas, approximately 117 miles from Austin. It is situated near the Guadalupe River, which overflowed its banks , taking with it various structures and unsuspecting campers.

The released photos show extensive damage within the camp , with houses displaying varying degrees of destruction and scattered debris as search efforts for the missing campers continue. One particularly chilling image captures the abandoned bunk beds of a girls' cabin, surrounded by their personal items scattered about.

The campers' beds and blankets are covered in thick mud and slime, with belongings such as bags, toys, and clothing scattered across the ground. Additional photos show a building's roof sagging dangerously, with sharp wooden fragments beneath, and nearby trees uprooted by the force of the water.

Another photograph shows suitcases and furniture left abandoned outside a building, creating a haunting scene after the river's surge that "completely destroyed" the Christian summer camp on Friday, reports the Mirror US .

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"The camp was completely destroyed. A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary," recounted 13-year-old Elinor Lester. As of Saturday night, the flood's toll had climbed to 43 confirmed fatalities.

The search for the remaining campers continues, but the families of four missing girls have reported their daughters deceased. The young victims, nine-year-olds Janie Hunt, Renee Smajstrla, Sarah Marsh, and Lila Bonner, were among the first to be found and publicly identified.

Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick disclosed on Friday that over 20 children from the all-girls private Christian summer camp, which accommodates around 750 kids, were still missing. In response to the disaster, more than 850 residents of Kerr County have been evacuated.

"Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly," shared the girl's uncle Shawn on Facebook. "We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday."

Anne Hunt, speaking to CNN on Friday, said her family was holding out hope for news about her daughter, admitting they had no information on her whereabouts. "In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," stated the Bonner family.

"We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss." At a press conference on Saturday, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. extended his thanks to city crews, county staff, and state agencies.

"People need to know, today will be a hard day," he said, his voice shaking. "It will be a hard day."

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Trump 'Absolutely Heartbroken' Over Texas Flood, 'Absolutely Committed' to Using All Federal Resources for Disaster

Secretary of Homeland Security Krisi Noem joined Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other officials for a press conference on Saturday afternoon on the tragic and deadly flooding around the Guadalupe River in Texas, during which she emphasized that the federal government is providing all available aid and assistance in response to the disaster. She also stated that the President Donald Trump is "heartbroken" over the devastation in the state.

Abbott declared a disaster in the state on Friday, and on Saturday he signed an expansion of that disaster declaration, adding additional counties to the list of those affected and emphasizing the state's need for federal assistance and resources in a joint press conference on Saturday afternoon.

Noem delivered remarks during that briefing and stated that she's spoken with the president and is continuing to keep him up to date.

"President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what has happened here in Texas, and the loss of life is absolutely devastating to him and Melania," Noem said.

This morning, I talked with him several times," Noem said. "And he wanted to make sure that all of you know how much he loves Texas, how much he's grieving for your families that have lost someone and the beautiful children that we're still looking for and hoping to return to their families.

She added that the president is "absolutely committed to using all the resources of the federal government" in the disaster recovery and relief.

Trump posted on Truth Social earlier in the day about the disaster, writing that the administration is "working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding" and announcing Noem would be on the ground.

Melania and I are praying for all of 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!

At the press conference, Noem also noted that Trump has already committed to the request made by Abbott in the disaster declaration.

"I've already visited with the president about this federal disaster declaration that the governor was going to sign here this morning, and he has indicated that he will honor that and that he'll accept that," she said.

So that response and that relief will be coming.

I want to thank Governor Abbott for his leadership, and know that President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what has happened here in Texas, and the loss of life is absolutely devastating to him and Melania. This morning, I talked with him several times, and he wanted to make sure that all of you know how much he loves Texas, how much he’s grieving for your families that have lost someone and the beautiful children that we’re still looking for and hoping to return to their families. And that he is absolutely committed to using all the resources of the federal government to help reunite families, rescue all those that we’re still missing, and return those who may be recovered back to their families as soon as possible. And that we will be here walking alongside each other and helping throughout this entire crisis.

Watch the clip above via CBS Texas .

The post Trump 'Absolutely Heartbroken' Over Texas Flood, 'Absolutely Committed' to Using All Federal Resources for Disaster first appeared on newsrealtime .

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The death toll from the Hill Country flash floods rises to 24 as rescue efforts continue.

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State officials said Friday night that at least 24 people have died in the catastrophic flood that swept through Kerr County early Friday morning, and 23 girls from Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls' camp, are still unaccounted for.

At a news conference in Kerrville, Gov. Greg Abbott signed an emergency disaster declaration, which allows numerous counties affected by the floods to access the state resources needed to assist with ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said as of Friday night, 24 people had died, and one other person was found dead in nearby Kendall County. He said it was unclear if that person was a flood victim.

Nim Kidd, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, said local officials were caught off guard by the volume of rain, adding that the National Weather Service advisory issued Thursday "did not predict the amount of rain that we saw."

Gen. Thomas Suelzer, the head of the Texas Military Department, said 237 people have been rescued and evacuated so far.

Officials said they couldn't provide the number of people who are unaccounted for, but they include the 23 girls from Camp Mystic.

In an earlier press conference Friday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said the dead include adults and children, and some were found in cars "that were washed out upstream." He said officials aren't sure whether any of the bodies were children from Camp Mystic, and stressed that the campers are only considered missing at this point.

"We will do anything humanly possible to find your daughter," Patrick said, adding that search and rescue teams are looking for survivors, along with 14 state helicopters, 12 drones, and 400 to 500 people on the ground assisting with the search. He added that if parents have not been personally contacted by the camp, they can assume their daughters have been accounted for.

As much as 10 inches of heavy rain fell in just a few hours overnight in central Kerr County, causing flash flooding of the Guadalupe River. Patrick said the river, which winds through Kerr County in Central Texas, rose 26 feet in 45 minutes during torrential rains overnight.

"It's going to be a mass casualty event," said Freeman Martin, the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Patrick added that San Antonio and Waco also could see flash flooding in the next 24 to 48 hours.

Judge Rob Kelly, the chief elected official in Kerr County, said authorities are still working to identify those whose lives were lost.

Most of them, we don't know who they are," Kelly said during a news conference. "One of them was completely naked, he didn't have any ID on him at all. We're trying to get the identity of these folks, but we don't have it yet.

Flood warning came after 1 a.m.

A flood watch issued Thursday afternoon estimated isolated amounts up to 7 inches of rising water. That shifted to a flood warning for at least 30,000 people overnight.

According to the National Weather Service website, the flash flood watch, which included Kerr County, was issued at 1:18 p.m. Thursday. Nearly 12 hours later, a "life threatening" flash flood warning was issued at 1:14 a.m., according to the website.

When asked about the suddenness of the flash flooding overnight, Kelly said "we do not have a warning system" and that "we didn't know this flood was coming," even as local reporters pointed to the warnings and pushed him for answers about why more precautions weren't taken.

“Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming,” he said. “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States.”

Abbott said the state was providing resources to Hill Country communities dealing with the flooding, including in Kerrville, Ingram and Hunt.

"I urge Texans to heed guidance from state and local officials and monitor local forecasts to avoid driving into flooded areas," Abbott said in a statement.

The Guadalupe's river gauge at the unincorporated community of Hunt, where the river forks, recorded a 22-foot rise in just about two hours, according to Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Austin/San Antonio office. Fogarty said the gauge failed after recording a level of 29 and a half feet.

We think the river's higher than that," Fogarty said. "The gauge is completely underwater.

The riverfront communities include several camps, wildlife habitats, and campgrounds. Texas Game Wardens, part of the state parks and wildlife agency, said on Facebook that search and rescue teams are conducting rescues throughout the region and sending more boats to help.

This is the kind of thing that will catch you unaware," Fogarty said. "The water's moving so fast, you're not going to recognize how bad it is until it's on top of you.

Survivors describe overnight ordeal

Erin Burgess’ home is located directly across from the river in the Bumble Bee Hills neighborhood, west of Ingram. When she woke up to thunder at 3:30 a.m. on Friday morning, "it was raining pretty heavily, but no big deal," she said.

Just 20 minutes later, Burgess said water was coming in through the walls and rushing through the front and back doors. She described an agonizing hour clinging to a tree and waiting for the water to recede enough that they were able to walk up the hill to a neighbor's.

"My son and I floated to a tree where we held onto it, and my boyfriend and my dog floated away. He was lost for a while, but we found them," she said, becoming emotional.

Of her 19-year-old son, Burgess said: "Thankfully he's over 6 feet tall. That's the only thing that saved me, was hanging on to him."

Dozens of people posted on Facebook asking for any information about their children, nieces and nephews attending one of the many camps in the area, or family members who went camping during the holiday weekend.

Ingram Fire Department posted a photo of a statement from Camp Mystic, saying the private Christian summer camp for girls experienced "catastrophic level floods." Parents with a daughter not accounted for were directly contacted, the camp said.

Another camp on the river located east of Hunt, Camp Waldemar, stated in an Instagram post that "we are all safe and sound."

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