The devastating flash floods that swept through central Texas on Friday have now claimed at least 78 lives, with 41 individuals still unaccounted for.Kerr County Heavily Impacted
Sixty-eight of the confirmed deaths, including 28 children, occurred in Kerr County, where a girls’ camp located along a river was tragically inundated. Among the missing from Camp Mystic are ten girls and one counselor. Officials anticipate that the death toll will likely continue to rise.
Challenges for Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams are bracing for additional storms expected in the region over the next 24 to 48 hours, which could significantly hamper their ongoing search efforts. Rescuers are already contending with various hazards, including venomous snakes, as they navigate through mud and debris.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated on Sunday that authorities are committed to doing everything possible to locate every missing person. “It was terrible to see what those little children experienced,” Abbott said after visiting the affected area.
Federal Response and Papal Condolences
President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County on Sunday, activating the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in Texas. Trump also indicated a potential visit to the state on Friday, remarking, “We are working closely with representatives from Texas, and it’s a terrible thing that has happened – absolutely terrible.”
In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers for the victims in Texas.
