At least 24 people are dead, including children, after relentless rains triggered catastrophic flooding across Central Texas, with the Guadalupe River surging beyond its banks and inundating nearby communities.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed the grim death toll Friday evening, adding that search and rescue efforts remain underway as first responders race to locate missing residents, including 23 campers from Camp Mystic, a summer camp near the flood zone.
“So many people have been swept up into an extraordinary catastrophe,” Abbott said, urging prayers for affected families.
Among the dead are young children, though details on the victims have not been fully released. State officials say the flooding caught many by surprise after the National Weather Service forecast underestimated rainfall levels, resulting in devastating consequences.
Helicopters, rescue swimmers, and tactical military vehicles have been deployed to assist stranded residents. So far, 237 people have been rescued or evacuated, including 167 by helicopter, according to Maj. Gen. Thomas Suelzer, head of the Texas National Guard.
President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One Friday, called the flooding and loss of life “terrible” and “shocking,” pledging federal assistance to the state.
“We’ll take care of it,” Trump said. “We’re working with the governor to provide any support they need.”
The Guadalupe River, which winds through parts of the Texas Hill Country, rose rapidly following days of torrential rainfall. The flooding has left entire neighborhoods underwater, with widespread damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.
Authorities warned residents to avoid floodwaters and stay tuned to official updates, as rivers and streams remain dangerously swollen.
“This is far from over,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick cautioned. “We will continue search and rescue operations through the night and into the weekend.”
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and avoid driving through flooded roads, as emergency crews continue to respond to one of the state’s most devastating flood events in recent years.
