Texas river flood leaves at least 25 dead across two counties; children's camp evacuated by helicopter
Heavy rain on Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes.
State officials confirmed Friday night that at least 25 people are dead, including adults and children. Among the deaths, 24 were reported in Kerr County and one was in Kendall County.
Between 23 and 25 people remain missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls private Christian camp along the Guadalupe River, according to officials. The camp had more than 750 attendees.
Helicopters and military vehicles were used for evacuations. So far, 237 people have been evacuated, including 167 by helicopter, Major General Thomas Suelzer said when discussing Texas National Guard efforts.
"Day or night, whatever hour of the day, there will be local officials [and] state officials collaborating together," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a news conference Friday night.
The governor said Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum contacted him and offered federal assistance and resources.
"The federal government is leaning in and wants to assist the community here in the heart of Texas," Abbott said.
Ellen Toranzo told Fox News Digital that her daughter, Greta Toranzo, is one of the campers who went missing during the flood. Carrie Hanna also confirmed to Fox News Digital that her daughter, Hadley, is unaccounted for.
Other nearby camps reported all children were accounted for, according to Patrick.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. issued a disaster declaration amid emergency evacuations.
Abbott wrote earlier on X that the state is directing all available resources to respond to the flood.
"That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety," Abbott wrote. "The immediate priority is saving lives."
Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted on X asking for prayers.
"Please pray right now for everyone in the Hill Country, especially Camp Mystic," Cruz wrote on X. "Today, I've spoken with Gov Abbott, Lt. Gov Patrick, the head of TDEM & President Trump. Multiple helicopters are performing search & rescue. President [Donald] Trump committed ANYTHING Texas needs."
Texas Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, wrote: "Our prayers are with the families of those lost and those still unaccounted for in today's tragic flooding."
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick earlier urged parents of campers to avoid driving to the area, due to impassible roads.
"I know if it was one of my children, I would be tempted to want to drive there from Houston as well," Patrick said. "Once we're able to get some of those roads clear, when the rain stops, then we have 10 busses ready to go in and pick up the kids, and we'll find a point … where you can be reunited with your child and hug them. Hug them hard, because you know they're frightened."
The Kerrville Public Utility Board outage map showed nearly 3,000 people were without power, as of 11 p.m. eastern time.
Local funeral homes told Fox News Digital they are completely overwhelmed.
A local Walmart is being used as a temporary reunification center and shelters have been activated, according to the City of Kerrville Police Department.
The Red Cross is assisting, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.
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