Texas river flood leaves at least 25 dead across two counties; children’s camp evacuated by helicopter
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The National Guard was deployed in Texas on Friday after a devastating river flood killed at least 25 people and swept away dozens of children at a local Christian camp.
Heavy rain on Friday morning caused the Guadalupe River to rise nearly 30 feet in 45 minutes.
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.
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Helicopters and military vehicles were used for evacuations. So far, 237 people have been evacuated, including 167 by helicopter.
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 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.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote in an X statement the state is surging 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.”
Patrick 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.”
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The Kerrville Public Utility Board outage map showed nearly 3,000 people were without power, as of 3 p.m. eastern time.
Local funeral homes told Fox News Digital they are completely overwhelmed.
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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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Kerr County spokesperson and county Judge Rob Kelley and the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.