Live updates: More than 30 dead in Texas floods, with dozens still missing from summer camp

NBC News

2 days ago

What we know:
FLASH FLOODING: Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas yesterday, causing the Guadalupe River near Kerrville to surge by more than 20-26 feet within 90 minutes, leading to widespread damage and road washouts.
DOZENS KILLED: The death toll rose to 32 people this afternoon — including 21 adults.
DOZENS MISSING FROM CAMP: Some families have begun identifying campers who were killed in the flooding. Officials said this morning the tally of children missing from Camp Mystic stands at 27.
Volunteers flock to elementary school as families await word on missing children
Reporting from Ingram, Texas
The local elementary school in Ingram, Texas, converted Saturday morning from a reunification center for families awaiting word of missing children and loved ones to a donation center to replace what could be restored.
Local volunteers rolled cafeteria and flatbed carts to the rear of cars that pulled up with trunks of food, blankets, clothing and packs of bottled water.
Donors came from nearby towns and other parts of the Hill Country and central Texas to south Texas communities, such as La Vernia. Inside, Jodi Carpenter helped organize, separate, hang and bag clothing in the elementary school's music room.
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Abbott expands state's disaster declaration, requests federal disaster declaration
Mirna Alsharif
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott expanded the state's disaster declaration to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties.
"We will continue to add counties as needed, as conditions either worsen or improve in counties across the state of Texas," Abbott said in a news briefing today. "We will ensure that every asset and resource the state has is going to be made available to every county that's the subject of this disaster declaration."
Abbott also signed a document officially requesting a federal disaster declaration, seeking assistance from the federal government for the dangerous flooding that impacted the state.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who was also at the news briefing, said she's spoken to President Donald Trump, who will honor the declaration request, adding that "relief will be coming."
Zelenskyy shares condolences for victims in Texas floods
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his condolences for the more than two dozen people killed in the Texas floods.
"Our hearts go out to the families of the over two dozen people who died, as well as all of the American communities affected by this natural disaster," Zelenskyy wrote in a post on X. "We hope that those who have gone missing, including children from a summer camp, will be returned to safety as soon as possible."
Zelenskyy also wished first responders "strength and a speedy recovery in the areas affected by the flooding."
Earlier this week, the U.S. military paused sending a shipment of missiles and ammunition to Ukraine, amid one of the worst aerial attacks on Ukrainian cities in the country's three-year war with Russia.
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Pictures show damage to Kerr County
Jacob Cavaiani
Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, shared pictures of damage to Camp Mystic and the Hunt Store in Kerr County, Texas.
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3 people killed by flooding in Travis County
Three people have been killed by flooding in Travis County, according to a spokesperson for the county.
No additional information was provided.
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A look at some of the deadliest floods in the U.S. in the last 25 years
The Associated Press
Flooding has caused an average of more than 125 deaths per year in the United States over the past few decades, according to the National Weather Service, and flash floods are the nation's top storm-related killer.
Here's a look at some of the most deadly flooding nationwide in the past 25 years.
Texas, July 2025
Authorities are still assessing the deadly effects of heavy rains that caused devastating flash floods in Texas Hill Country, leaving at least 27 people dead and many others missing as frantic parents sought word about their daughters at a girls camp near the Guadalupe River.
Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue stranded people in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.
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Two Camp Mystic campers killed by floods identified by families
Mirna Alsharif
Two Camp Mystic campers who were killed by dangerous flash floods in Kerr County were identified by their families as Renee Smajstria and Janie Hunt, according to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth.
Earlier today, Lila Bonner was also identified as a Camp Mystic camper who was killed by floods.
A resident surveys flood damage and debris along the Guadalupe River
Guadalupe River flood of 1987 took the lives of 10 teenagers
Yesterday's deadly flooding in central Texas and surge of the Guadalupe River occurred once before, in 1987.
Almost 38 years ago, on July 16, heavy rainfall triggered 5 to 10 inches of rain in the upper headwaters of the Guadalupe River basin, resulting in a massive flood wave that traveled through Kerrville and Comfort, according to the National Weather Service.
The river surged 29 feet and crested over 31 feet, "the ninth highest crest in recorded history," the weather service said.
Ten teenagers were killed when a bus and van leaving a church camp at the Pot O' Gold Ranch near Comfort encountered floodwaters, the weather service said. Thirty-three others were injured in the incident.
"An attempt was made to evacuate the children off the bus and van, however as they were wading back to dry ground a wall of water, estimated to be as much as half a mile wide, rushed upon the campers," the weather service said. "Although they tried to reach safety by forming a human chain, the rushing water scattered them."
First responders in helicopters were able to rescue several people clinging to treetops.
Photos: Camp Mystic, where at least 20 children went missing after severe flash flooding
A damaged cabin, suitcases and furniture at Camp Mystic after the flash flooding in Hunt, Texas.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to hold press briefing at 2:30 p.m. CT
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott will hold a press briefing today at 2:30 p.m. CT to provide an update on the response to flooding in Kerrville.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will also be at the briefing, along with state and local officials, according to the governor's office.
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Flash flood emergency warning issued in Comal County
Matt Lavietes
The National Weather Service issued an flash flood warning for River Road along the Guadalupe River between Sattler and Gruene in Comal County, roughly 40 miles north of San Antonio.
"Evacuate immediately!" it said in a post on X. "If unable to do so, move to higher ground now!"
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Homes evacuated in Georgetown, Texas
Police advised people living near parts of the San Gabriel River in Georgetown, Texas, to evacuate.
In a post on X, the Georgetown Police Department warned residents of the Two Rivers, San Gabriel, and Waters Edge apartments to evacuate 'due to the rising river levels.'
Georgetown resident Shannon Pinkston shared a video of the floodwaters from this morning on Facebook. The video showed what she described as "normally a green field" completely submerged in fast-flowing water, with debris and tree tops poking out.
Police said in separate X posts today that they have additionally closed several bridges and parks in the town, which is about 30 miles north of Austin.
Kerrville resident: 'We literally saw a roof of a house floating by'
Ryan Chandler and Matt Lavietes
Kerrville resident Darryl Huffman said that he saw the roof of a house floating along his street yesterday.
"As I was watching, I was there talking to my neighbor in his yard, we literally saw the roof of a house floating by. It was just destruction," he told NBC News. "I've never experienced nothing like that since I've been here, and we've seen quite a few floods since I've been here."
Huffman, who lives near the Guadalupe River, said that he was not sure if anyone was anyone was inside the home.
He added he did not believe the storm would pose such danger prior to its arrival.
"I looked out the window and it was barely sprinkling outside, so I had no indication that the river was going to be right outside my driveway," he said.
Floods moving downstream likely to impact Georgetown, Texas
Kathryn Prociv and Mirna Alsharif
Floodwaters moving downstream are likely to affect the central Texas city of Georgetown, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The city's police department announced the evacuation of multiple gathering areas, including the Georgetown Animal Shelter and the San Gabriel Masonic Lodge. The shelter animals were moved to another shelter, police said, advising residents to "avoid the area if possible."
Girl found dead after Camp Mystic flooding identified as Lila Bonner
Ryan Chandler and Mirna Alsharif
A girl who was found dead after flooding near Camp Mystic has been identified as Lila Bonner by her family.
In a statement, her family said it was heartbroken to confirm the news of her death.
"In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," the statement read. "We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly."
Rep. Chip Roy says child reunited with mother after being on 'mattress for two, three hours in the middle of the night'
Mirna Alsharif
A child was reunited with her mother after she was lost amid life-threatening flash floods in south-central Texas, according to Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas.
"My kids' school — there was one of their schoolmates, was missing, and one of the kids she was on a mattress for two, three hours in the middle of the night," Roy said in a news briefing this morning. "And you know, she's united with her mom, and that's wonderful."
The representative did not clarify if the child was floating on a mattress in floodwaters.
Roy also acknowledged the dozens of people who died in the floods.
"We're also mourning the loss of life as we identify those that didn't make it and are now home with their lord," he said.
How to report a missing person after Texas floods
Officials in Kerr County are urging families to use official channels to report missing persons in the aftermath of the floods.
By phone: Call the dedicated hotline at 830-258-1111 to report a missing person. Information will be shared across relief and incident management teams.
By email: Send details to [e-mail]. Please include identifying information and the person's last known location. This email address is not for general inquires.
Shelter and donations: A public shelter is open at First Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive, Kerrville, for anyone need of assistance. Officials say material donations and volunteers are not needed at the time due to a strong state response. Cash donations are welcome and can be made through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.
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Over 850 people evacuated from Kerr County
Mirna Alsharif
Over 850 people have been evacuated from Kerr County in south-central Texas, according to the Kerr County Sheriff's Office.
Of the 858 people who were rescued, eight were injured, per the sheriff's office. At least 27 people have been killed, including 18 adults and nine children — six adults and one child have yet to be identified.
Officials did not share the identities of any of the victims.
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Kerrville Mayor: 'Today will be a hard day'
Mirna Alsharif
Speaking at a news briefing this morning, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. asked for prayers and donations amid life-threatening flash flooding in the city.
"People need to know today will be a hard day," Herring Jr. said. "It will be a hard day."
Heavy rainfall and dangerous flash flooding have impacted the south-central city, leaving dozens dead and dozens more missing.
Herring encouraged anyone who wants to help to follow the city of Kerrville on Facebook, where they can get additional details on how to do that.
"Please pray for our community," Herring added.
More rain forecast for south-central Texas
Mirna Alsharif
More rain is forecast for south-central Texas today as storms have developed over the state's coast, according to the National Weather Service field office for Austin and San Antonio.
"Rain rates near 2 inches per hour have already been observed and expected to continue this morning," the weather service said. "Streams can rise rapidly in this intense amount of rain. Turn around, don't drown!"
The weather service also said that "dangerous and life-threatening flooding and heavy rain" will persist this morning near Austin, especially over Burnet, Williamson and Travis counties. A flash flood emergency is in effect for these areas.
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27 children from summer camp are still missing
Authorities said this morning that 27 campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for after yesterday's torrential flash floods.
'These are the 27 potential missing campers that we're looking for,' an official said at a news conference. 'Now, the unknown is how many people were here locally, visiting on vacation, you know, doing other things in the community that we just do not have numbers for.'
Trump says Kristi Noem will be in Texas shortly
President Donald Trump said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem will be in Texas "shortly" due to the deadly flooding in the state.
"Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"
Yesterday aboard Air Force One, Trump said his administration is working with Gov. Greg Abbott.
"It's a terrible thing," he said.
Vice President JD Vance also commented on the floods earlier this morning, calling them "an incomprehensible tragedy."
"Our nation's heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families," he wrote on X.
Death toll is now at 27
At least 27 people are dead — including 18 adults — after flash floods swept through the area, Kerr County officials said at a press conference this morning.
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Ryan Chandler
Reporting from Kerrville, Texas
The death toll is expected to rise after devastating floods swept through parts of Texas along the Guadalupe River. The dangerous floodwaters swept away homes and cars, some with people inside.
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