The death toll from devastating floods across Texas rose to over 100 on Monday, as emergency crews continued searching for victims swept away in the surging waters.
Among the deceased were at least 27 girls and counselors who had been staying at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, when disaster struck during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
With more rainfall forecast and already saturated ground, rescue and recovery efforts — involving helicopters, boats, and search dogs — have been severely hampered. Officials fear the death toll may continue to rise.
The White House confirmed that President Donald Trump will visit Texas on Friday to assess the damage and meet with first responders and affected families. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt strongly rejected claims that cuts to federal weather agencies had hindered flood warnings.
“Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning,” Leavitt said. She added that the National Weather Service had provided “timely and precise forecasts and warnings,” despite reports of staffing shortages before the floods.
President Trump, calling the floods a “100-year catastrophe,” has signed a major disaster declaration, unlocking federal funds and resources for relief and recovery. Though he has previously advocated for state-led disaster response, the scale of the crisis prompted immediate federal involvement.
Tragedy at Camp Mystic
Kerr County, located in central Texas, has suffered the most significant loss, with local authorities confirming the deaths of 56 adults and 28 children. The 27 fatalities at Camp Mystic occurred when floodwaters surged through the area in the early morning hours, submerging cabins and reaching the tops of trees.
What was meant to be a joyful summer experience for the camp’s roughly 750 residents turned into a nightmare. Shattered windows, mud-covered teddy bears, and soaked blankets were all that remained inside the cabins.
Senator Ted Cruz, speaking on the tragedy, said, “Camps are a cherished part of our summer tradition — a place to make lifelong friends — and then suddenly, it turns to tragedy.”
Volunteers, some with personal ties to the victims, have joined recovery teams combing through debris along the riverbanks, determined to find the missing and support grieving families.
