Photo: Alamy
President Donald Trump said Saturday that his administration is coordinating with state and local officials in Texas after severe flooding killed dozens of people, including campers at a local summer camp.
“The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” he added.
Many of the children were from Camp Mystic, a summer camp near the Guadalupe River. The river rose 29 feet in a short period during a flash flood Friday morning.
In Kerr County, the center of the flooding and home to several youth camps, crews have recovered the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said. He vowed to continue the search until everybody is found.
Officials in Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties reported 10 more deaths, bringing the confirmed statewide toll to at least 82. Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that the number is expected to increase.
Speaking at a news conference in Austin, Abbott warned that more heavy rain through Tuesday could trigger additional flash flooding, especially in areas already waterlogged. The governor vowed that authorities will work around the clock and said new areas were being searched as the water receded. He declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state.
“I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said in a statement.
President Trump also signed a disaster declaration, according to a statement released on Sunday on Truth Social.
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” he wrote.
“The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” he concluded.