The catastrophic floods that struck central Texas have claimed at least 82 lives, with dozens still missing. The death toll includes at least 28 children in Kerr County, where 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for.
Governor Greg Abbott warned that flash flooding continues to pose a danger for parts of Texas, with more rain on the way in several areas. “This is the most important mission of my life,” said a Texas flood helicopter rescuer, who spoke to CNN about the ongoing search and rescue efforts.
The rescuer described the operation as “nonstop turning and burning,” with helicopters quickly off-loading those rescued and then launching back into the skies to search for more survivors. Ground teams are also playing a crucial role in the rescue efforts, with many people being rescued by “good old-fashioned trucks.” The Texas Air National Guard is using remotely piloted military drones to conduct surveillance, and the US Coast Guard has deployed two MH-65 dolphin helicopters to help with evacuations.
Camp Mystic owner and executive director Richard Eastland died while trying to rescue campers during the flooding. His grandson, George Eastland, wrote an emotional tribute on Instagram, saying, “If he wasn’t going to die of natural causes, this was the only other way—saving the girls that he so loved and cared for.” A Camp Mystic employee, Glenn Juenke, described Eastland as a “true hero” who “tragically lost his life while courageously attempting to save several young children.”
Records show that officials in Kerr County previously considered installing flood warning sirens, but the plan never came to fruition. The National Weather Service issued a series of alerts before the storm, but questions remain about the agency’s staffing and ability to reach residents at the time of the disaster. Local and regional partners have committed to a “full review of the events and systems in place” to strengthen future preparedness.
The federal government has launched a major response effort, with President Donald Trump signing a major disaster declaration to unlock key federal resources. The US Coast Guard has assisted with over 230 rescues, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has opened seven shelters providing food and water for central Texas communities. Trump vowed continued federal support for Texas and said he would “probably” visit the state on Friday.
The NFL Foundation, Dallas Cowboys, and Houston Texans have donated a total of $1.5 million in relief for victims of the floods. The funds will provide both immediate assistance and long-term resources to those most impacted by the flooding. As the state broadens its emergency response efforts ahead of possible storms, Kerrville will remain a priority, according to Governor Abbott.
The search for missing people continues, with many families still waiting for news about their loved ones. Robert Brake, a Texas man searching for his parents, described the emotional rollercoaster of waiting for news, saying, “Every hint of kindness, every shared post, every prayer, every offer to help – it means something to everybody here, including the Brake family.” The community is coming together to support those affected by the floods, with many people offering help and prayers.
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