Texas floods: 24 dead as authorities deploy all available resources to respond to the floods

The death toll from the devastating flash floods in south-central Texas rose to 24 late Friday night, according to authorities, who are continuing the search for at least 20 girls missing from a summer camp, AFP reported.

“Right now, we’re at about 24 deceased,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference, as rescue teams continued efforts to locate stranded residents in the region northwest of San Antonio.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said at a news conference that the victims include children. He noted that the area is home to several major camps, and at one of them—Camp Mystic—about 23 of the 750 campers are currently unaccounted for.

"That does not mean they've been lost—they could be in a tree, they could be out of communication. We are praying for all of those missing to be found alive," Patrick added.

Camp Mystic told parents, "If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified. If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in a statement on X, said, "The state of Texas is surging all available resources to respond to the devastating flooding around the Kerr County area. That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The immediate priority is saving lives."

Rescue services are conducting evacuations after several months’ worth of rain fell in just a few hours, causing dangerous flash flooding. Fatalities have been reported but the exact number is still unknown.

"Do not venture out today if you don't have to," warned the National Weather Service branch in San Angelo, a city in the middle of the state. "If you have to travel, please turn around if you come across a flooded roadway!"

They also reported that flood warnings have been issued for areas along the San Saba, Concho, and Colorado Rivers, with floodwaters expected to possibly persist into next week.

The Guadalupe River at Hunt has reached its second-highest level on record, surpassing the mark set during the 1987 flood, which led to hundreds of evacuations and left a dozen people dead. "This is a very dangerous and life-threatening flood event along the river," the Austin/San Antonio weather service warned in recent hours. "Move to higher ground!"

"This is a catastrophic flooding event in Kerr County. We can confirm fatalities but will not release further information until next of kin are notified," the sheriff's office said. "Residents are encouraged to shelter in place and not attempt travel. Those near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River should immediately move to higher ground."

Echoing the warnings, Texas Congressman Chip Roy urged caution. "We’re assisting where we can but everyone please follow the guidance from the Sheriff and local authorities," he posted. Later, he added, be smart. Be careful near flood-prone roads, rivers, and low-lying areas. Do not drive through high water."

The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) ramped up its response efforts on Thursday. “As we head into a busy holiday weekend with travel plans for many, Texans are urged to make personal preparedness their top priority,” Division Chief Nim Kidd said.