Death toll rises to 25 in Texas flash floods

The death toll from catastrophic flooding in Kerr County in the US state of Texas rose to 25 late Friday, including one death in neighboring Kendall County, according to media reports.

Authorities continued search and rescue efforts amid concerns about more rainfall.

The flooding began late Thursday and continued into the early hours of Friday, as heavy rains engulfed the Guadalupe River, pushing it to a crest of more than 39 feet (11.8 meters), surpassing the region's second-largest modern flood in 1987.

The Kerr County Sheriff's Office confirmed the updated death toll at a news conference.

Texas Lieutenant Gov. Dan Patrick said about 20 people were still unaccounted for, many from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp.

He said out of 750 girls at Camp Mystic, 23 are unaccounted for, according to the KSAT news station.

Describing it as a "catastrophic level" of flooding, Patrick confirmed that "hundreds of people," along with at least 14 helicopters and 12 drones, were on the ground conducting search and rescue operations.

The disaster declaration, signed by County Judge Rob Kelly, stated the flooding caused "widespread and severe damage, injury and loss of life," and there remains "an imminent threat of doing more of the same."

The county's Fourth of July celebrations were canceled, as floodwaters submerged parks and forced evacuations of households along the river.

Residents were urged to shelter in place and move to higher ground if they were near creeks or streams.

Sheriff Larry Leitha said the number of rescues Friday numbered in the dozens.

He told reporters that multiple children's camps were affected and some children were missing, but he would not provide specific numbers at this time.

“Suffice it to say, this has been a very devastating and deadly (event)” he said, adding the process of identifying victims was ongoing.

An email from Camp Mystic to parents, obtained by KSAT, said parents of campers not yet accounted for had been notified. It added that campers at Cypress Lake and Senior Hill had been found safe.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly also acknowledged that the county did not have a warning system in place on the river. “We had no reason to believe that this was going to be anything like what's happened here,” he said.

KSAT meteorologists reported that between 10 and 13 inches (25.4 to 33 centimeters) of rain fell across the area, with radar suggesting rural parts may have received more.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said officials were doing everything they could to find those who are missing and rescue anyone in danger.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said the city remained in emergency response mode, not recovery, with crews continuing rescue efforts.

The sheriff's office described the situation as "an extremely active scene, countywide," with spokesperson Clint Morris saying it may be a once-in-a-lifetime flood.

Patrick, who is currently serving as acting governor, said 400 rescue personnel had been deployed.

-Emergency response and comparisons to 1987 disaster

Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement that said Texas had mobilized additional state emergency resources to support efforts, urging Texans to follow guidance from authorities.

Resources deployed include Swiftwater rescue boat squads, helicopters with hoist capabilities, tactical teams, high-profile vehicles and disaster assessment agents, according to the governor's office.

The San Antonio Fire Department and Bexar County Emergency Services Districts also sent personnel and equipment to assist.

KSAT video footage showed the Guadalupe River carrying debris, vehicles and structures downstream.

Comparisons were drawn to a 1987 flood, considered one of the region's deadliest disasters, though officials noted that the current event “far surpasses” it in scale.

A flash flood watch for Kerr County was issued at 1.45 pm Thursday, followed by a flood warning at 1 am Friday.

Assistant Chief Jay Hall from the Texas Department of Emergency Management reportedly contacted officials to warn them about the potential for flooding.

Authorities repeated their call for residents to stay indoors, avoid travel and remain alert for further rising waters.