Texas floods latest: Over 100 dead and 160 still missing as Camp Mystic’s disaster plan ‘approved days before flood’

Key Points

• Death toll from Texas flooding disaster reaches 109
• Camp Mystic's emergency plan was signed off two days before disaster
• With a dozen still missing, hopes of finding survivors dwindle
• Mapped: Counties hit hardest by flash floods
• Trump confirms Texas visit with Melania on Friday

Texas inspected Camp Mystic on 2 July

Texas authorities inspected Camp Mystic on 2 July, the same day the state Division of Emergency Management activated emergency response resources ahead of the anticipated flooding.

The inspection found no deficiencies or violations at the camp in a long list of health and safety criteria, according to the record. The camp had 557 campers and more than 100 staffers at the time between its Guadalupe and Cypress Lake locations.

The disaster plans are required to be posted in all camp buildings but aren't filed with the state, said Lara Anton, a spokesperson for the Texas Department of State Health Services."We do not have them," Ms Anton said. "You'd have to get it from the camp."

Camps are responsible for developing their own emergency plan. Inspectors evaluate the plans to ensure they meet several state requirements, including procedures for evacuation.

"The inspector checked that they had plans posted for those elements in every building," Ms Anton said, "and that they had trained staff and volunteers on what to do."

Camp Mystic is licensed by the state and a member of the Camping Association for Mutual Progress, which says its goal is to "raise health and safety standards" for summer camps.

Ex-campgoer says she never received instructions on weather emergencies

Charlotte Lauten, 19, spent nine summers at Camp Mystic, mostly recently in 2023. She said she didn't recall ever receiving instructions as a camper on what to do in the case of a weather emergency.

"I do know that the counselors go through orientation training for a week before camp starts," she told the Associated Press. "They do brief them on all those types of things.

"One thing that likely hindered the girls' ability to escape was how dark it would have been, Ms Lauten said. Campers don't have access to their phones while at camp, she said, adding they wouldn't have cell service anyway because of the remote location.

"This is the middle of nowhere and they didn't have power," she said.

"It would have been pitch black, like could not see 5 feet in front of you type of darkness. I've never seen stars like there because there's just no light."

Camp Mystic's emergency planning signed off two days before disaster

Texas inspectors signed off on Camp Mystic's emergency planning just two days before catastrophic flooding killed 27 people at the all-girls Christian summer camp, most of them children.

The Department of State Health Services released records on Tuesday showing the camp complied with a host of state regulations regarding "procedures to be implemented in case of a disaster".

Among them: instructing campers what to do if they need to evacuate and assigning specific duties to each staff member and counselor.

The National Weather Service had issued a flood watch for the area 3 July 3 at 1.18pm local time.

That danger prompted at least one of the roughly 18 camps along the Guadalupe River to move dozens of campers to higher ground.

The uncertainty about what happened at Mystic comes as local officials have repeatedly dodged questions about who was monitoring the weather and what measures were taken ahead of the flooding.

What are Texas officials doing to help in the flooding aftermath?

Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s office said in a press release Monday more than 2,100 personnel have been deployed to help in the aftermath of the July 4 flash floods.

At least 109 people have died, and 161 are known to be missing after the floods hit Central Texas.

The state has also deployed more than 1,100 vehicles and equipment in its response.

“More than 20 state agencies are currently responding to flooding threats across the state,” the release read.

ICYMI: Trump says he will visit Texas with Melania on Friday

President Donald Trump said during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday he and First Lady Melania Trump will visit Texas on Friday.

Trump’s visit will mark a week since flash floods along the Guadalupe River devastated Central Texas. At least 109 people have died, and 161 are known to be missing.

“We don't want to get in anyone's way,” the president said, calling it a “tragic situation.”

In pictures: Devastation left by Texas floods

Flash flooding along the Guadalupe River on July 4 has devastated Central Texas.

At least 109 are dead, and 161 are known to be missing as Texans survey the damage left by the flooding.

Here are some photos of the aftermath:

A damaged house is seen near the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas, on July 8 (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Debris lies along the Guadalupe River after it was swept up in the flash flooding on July 8 in Ingram, Texas. (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

Debris lies along the Guadalupe River after it was swept up in the flash flooding on July 8 (Jim Vondruska/Getty Images)

ICYMI: Here are the areas affected by Texas floods

State lawmaker's message to Texans in flooding aftermath

Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows said at a press conference Monday, “We stand willing and able to listen to the community and experts to do all that we can.”

Texas officials say they are 'working day and night' in flooding aftermath

The Texas Division of Emergency Management said in an X post Monday night, “Texas responders continue working day and night supporting impacted communities.”

Flood survivor recalls ‘terrifying’ moment water started rushing into her cabin

Leigh-Anne Aiken was staying in a cabin along the Guadalupe River on July 4 when water started rushing in.

Aiken told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins she thought she was hearing “storm noises,” adding she has “profound hearing loss.”

She called her neighbor and he rescued her and her two dogs.

 “By the time he got to me, it's maybe 200 yards, but by the time he got to me, the water was already to my knees,” Aiken recalled.

She said the water “ rose from our ankles to our waist in less than probably 15 minutes,” adding it was “really terrifying.”

Kerr County bridge reopened after flood disaster

A bridge in the hard-hit Kerr County has reopened after flash flooding on July 4.

“The Lemos Bridge on FM 394 is now open to traffic,” the Texas Department of Transportation’s San Antonio District wrote on Facebook Monday night. “TxDOT crews have been working for the past few days to clear debris and make the bridge safe for drivers.”

Governor Abbott says 'our #1 job is to find every single missing person'

Governor Greg Abbott shared photos from his day of surveying the flood damage and hosting a press conference in Central Texas.

“Right now, our #1 job is to find every single missing person. We will not leave until that job is done,” Abbott wrote on X.

Family of flood survivors recall moment they we forced to climb to their roof for safety, compares destruction to ‘war zone’

Spencer Offenbacker and Corey Jones live about 200 yards from the Guadalupe River, which was flooded on July 4.

“ By the time I realized what was going on, the water was already at our door,” Jones told CNN’s Anderson Cooper.

The couple grabbed their two kids and headed for the roof where they stayed for about two hours.

Offenbacker, an Iraq combat veteran, said their home is “completely destroyed” and the flooding aftermath “looks like a war zone.”

A GoFundMe page dedicated to helping the family rebuild their lives reads: “They are thankful for their lives but grieving the loss their family and community is navigating.”

Timelapse shows deadly Texas floodwater rising in minutes

Texas officer recalls heroic efforts by police who recused people in 'chest-deep' floodwater

Sergeant Jonathan Lamb, Kerrville police community services officer, told CNN’s Erin Burnett about the heroic efforts by his fellow officers who “performed under life-threatening conditions” to rescue people in “chest-deep” water.

“Our Kerrville Police Department team performed under life-threatening conditions. Our officers responded to the flooding event...and they, for hours, were wading through thigh-deep, waist-deep, chest-deep water rescuing people from cars, from campers...evacuating people from homes and apartments, risking their own lives to save others,” Lamb said.

In pictures: Tragedy at Camp Mystic after July 4 flood disaster

Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp on the riverbank, confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed in flash flooding that swept through Central Texas on July 4.

Here are some photos of the aftermath:

A woman sorts through clothing and campers' belongings outside cabins at Camp Mystic on July 8 (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

Mattresses, clothing and campers' trunks are seen outside cabins at Camp Mystic on July 8 (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

A painted broken heart is seen near Camp Mystic on July 8 (Ronaldo Schemidt/AFP via Getty Images)

R.V. park owner says it's 'impossible to tell' how many are still missing after flood disaster

The owner of an R.V. park along the Guadalupe River that flooded on July 4 told The New York Times, “It’s impossible to tell how many people are missing.”

Lorena Guillen said she knows how many people were registered to stay at the park on the night of July 3, but others were camping in wild areas nearby.

At a press conference earlier, Governor Greg Abbott said 161 were known to still be missing.

Flood watch in New Mexico as river water rises to over 15 feet

A flood watch is in effect in Central New Mexico until 8 p.m. local time.

The National Weather Service warned in a notice, “Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.”

The service’s Albuquerque office shared photos on X of a flood wave on the Rio Ruidoso.

In its latest update, the office said, “The river is now in major flood stage at over 15 feet.”

Man recalls moment he helped find his friend's daughter after flood disaster: ‘It brought some closure’

Louis Deppe helped in the search for his friend’s daughter, who had been swept away by Texas floodwaters.

"His daughter's missing. I have a 21-year-old daughter. I can't imagine. I think every parent's worst nightmare and so didn't think it through, just muscle memory, let's come help and see what's needed,” Deppe said.

His friend’s daughter was found, but “she did not survive,” Deppe said. “It's tragic, but in an odd, important way, it brought some closure.”

Texas Republican responds to Governor Abbott calling questions about blame for the flood disaster, 'the word choice of losers'

Governor Greg Abbott called questions about who’s to blame for the flood disaster in Central Texas “the word choice of losers” during a Tuesday press conference.

Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, was asked on CNN about Abbott’s remarks.

He responded: “I think the governor's in the thick of it right now like many of us are.”

“I'd also say, too, over a hundred Americans lost their lives, and Americans deserve to find out answers to what happened. And if there was a way that we could prevent future things from happening, I think it's important we do that,” Gonzales added.

Texas officials share photos of flood aftermath

The Texas Department of Public Safety shared photos taken during a helicopter survey of the flood area, which Governor Greg Abbott joined.

City of Kerrville says Salvation Army pausing donations after reaching 'capacity'

The city of Kerrville, which was particularly hit hard by the catastrophic flash flooding on July 4, said on Facebook Tuesday the Salvation Army was pausing donations “for the moment.”

“They are at capacity, although they will take calls for volunteer opportunities. We sincerely thank all who have donated for their compassion and willingness to respond to the needs of the community,” the city wrote.

Here’s what you can do to help in the flooding aftermath:

Man who survived Texas flood of 1987 said he was ‘quite shocked’ by July 4 disaster

Reverend David Simmons, who survived a flash flood along the Guadalupe River in the summer of 1987, told CNN he was “quite shocked” by the July 4 disaster.

When he heard the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, it “brought me right back to where we were 38 years ago.”

The 1987 flash flood along the Guadalupe River killed 10 teenagers and injured 33 others when waters rose 29 feet.

Speaking of the current disaster, Simmons said, “ I would hope that our public officials could get serious about what it would take to prevent this from happening.”

In the aftermath of this catastrophe, some have questioned why those in the flood zone were not alerted sooner.

But former forecasters at the National Weather Service defended Texas meteorologists and said warnings were as timely as they should have been, Julia Musto wrote.

Death toll rises to 111: report

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the number of victims rose to 109 during a Tuesday afternoon press conference.

Later, the NYT reported a death toll of 111 after Williamson County officials said they recovered a third body.

Abbott: Texas officials were not prepared for 'a 30-foot-high tsunami wall of water'

Greg Abbott said that although Texas state officials were aware of a possible serious flooding event days before the disastrous flash flooding in Kerr County, they did not know the magnitude of the storm.

“No one would know that would be a 30-foot-high tsunami wall of water, I don’t think,” Abbott told reporters Tuesday.

“All I can tell you is the information we had, the state had, and that we acted on, was information that catalyzed us to begin putting assets and resources in place two days before the event happened.”

Watch: Abbott says media is using 'the word choice of losers'

Emergency alert system will be addressed in Texas state legislature

Abbott said that the emergency alert system is “going to be one of the issues that we begin to address in less than two weeks in the state legislature” after reports emerged that not all people received warnings of the approaching floods.

“We’re going to address every aspect of this storm to make sure that we’re going to have in place the systems that are needed to prevent deadly flooding events like this in the future,” Abbott told reporters at a press conference Tuesday.

Abbott uses football metaphor in response to question over blame

Greg Abbott used an extended metaphor about football in response to a question about who was to blame for the flooding devastation.

“Whose to blame?... That’s the word choice of losers. Let me explain something about Texas, everyone cares about football,” he said.

“Know this: every football team makes mistakes. The losing teams are the ones that like to point out whose to blame.

“The championship teams are the ones that say ‘don’t worry about man, we got this, we’re gonna go score again and we’re gonna win this thing.

“The way winners talk is not to point fingers, they talk about solutions. What Texas is all about is solutions.”

Texas Governor says Trump 'cares a lot' about flood victims

Governor Abbott of Texas praised the response of the Trump administration, telling reporters Wednesday that the president wanted to “step up” to ensure the needs of the state were met.

“He could not stop talking about how sad he was for all the little girls who have lost their lives,” Abbott recalling a conversation with the president.

“He recounted his own understanding of what happened with what was really a tsunami wave of wall of water that swept too many of them away.”

Abbot provides further numbers on victims

At Wednesday’s press conference, Greg Abbott promised that “Texas is in this in this with the people.”

“The primary job right now continues to be locating everybody who was affected by this flood,” he said. “We have to find every single person who is missing - that’s job number one.”

About confirmed that there had been 94 fatalities associated with this flooding event in the Kerr County area and a further 15 in other parts, bringing the total to 109.

He also confirmed that there were still five campers missing from Camp Mystic, as well as one counselor.

Governor Abbott says that there are 161 people missing in Kerr County

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that there were 161 people who were known to be missing as a result of the flooding.

“Know this: we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” he told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

“There could very likley be more people added to the list.”

Greg Abbott about to hold press conference

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has arrived to begin a press conference update alongside local officials and first responders from Kerr County.

Kerrville City Council to hold meeting at 7 p.m. ET

The Kerrville City Council will hold a meeting this evening at 7 p.m. ET, the city has said.

The meeting will take place at Kerrville City Hall to discuss the mayor’s disaster declaration and other emergency response matters, according to a public notice.

“The City’s response continues to require immediate action, which is required because of an imminent threat to public health and safety, including a threat caused by the flood, rain, power failure, and other conditions,” the notice said.

Texas governor Greg Abbott takes aerial tour of area

Texas governor Greg Abbott is currently taking an aerial tour of area devastated by flooding.

Abbott is then scheduled to provide updates to media on operations.

Houston Astros announce $1 million donation to flood relief

The Houston Astros baseball team have announced they are committing $1 million to support relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas.

Beyond the initial investment, the Astros Foundation will launch a fan-based initiative to mobilize our passionate fan base.

"It's important to the entire Astros organization, to send immediate support to our fellow Texans throughout the Hill Country during this devastating time," said Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane.

“There is a lot still unknown as recovery efforts are ongoing, but the Astros are committed to supporting Central Texas communities in the long term through the coming days, months and years to help rebuild and heal. We also want to acknowledge and personally thank all of the First Responders for their continued heroic efforts!”

Texas floods mapped

Here are the affected areas as death toll rises:

Texas officials long feared for riverbank summer camps. A warning system was rejected as too expensive

The Independent’s Julia Musto writes:

Texas rescue helicopter forced to make emergency landing after colliding with private drone

A helicopter used for rescue and recovery operations in flood-stricken Texas was grounded after it collided with a private drone flying in restricted airspace.

The city of Kerrville, Texas, put out an advisory on Monday asking residents to keep their drones grounded until first responders finish searching for flood victims and survivors.

Graig Graziozi has the full story:

Texas Governor Abbott to hold press conference at 4 p.m. ET

Texas Governor Abbott will hold a news conference at 4 p.m. ET.

CNN reports that before the news conference, he and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows will survey flood damage from the air.

Latest victim numbers from Kerr County

In an update Tuesday afternoon, authorities provided updates on the number of fatalities in Kerrville city and Kerr County.

The current total for fatalities stands at 87, including 57 adults (20 pending identification) and 30 children (7 pending identification) according to Kerr County sheriff Larry Leitha.

The overall death toll from the floods has now reached at least 109, with sheriff Leitha saying it was not known exactly how many remain missing.

The Guadalupe River in Texas surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes. No one saw it coming

Arkansas National Guard sends four Blackhawk helicopters to help Texas recovery

The Arkansas National Guard has sent four Blackhawk helicopters to help with the ongoing search and recovery efforts in central Texas.

“Our hearts go out to those affected in Texas,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and direction, we’re eager to assist our brothers and sisters in the Texas National Guard as they continue to respond and recover from the Texas flooding.”

Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized the troops on Monday to assist with transportation of search and rescue personnel in the vicinity of Austin, Texas.

(Arkansas Army National Guard/ Staff Sgt. Bryce Colvert)

(Arkansas Army National Guard/ Staff Sgt. Bryce Colvert)

Camp Mystic was built on 'extremely hazardous' flood zone

Camp Mystic, which confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed in the floods, sits in an area deemed “extremely hazardous” by officials, according to analysis by The Houston Chronicle.

A review of property records and federal flood maps by the outlet found that Mystic and several other nearby camps sit amid a “patchwork of special hazard flood areas.”

Several of the camps even contain parts that sit in a “designated floodway” – the channel where water flows most strongly during a flood.

“In Texas, we have been very irresponsible about the way we treat floodways and floodplains,” said Jim Blackburn, a Rice University professor who specializes in environmental law and flooding issues, told The Chronicle.

“We have always treated them as a kind of environmental red tape rather than a true danger area, and I think that has dis-served us across the board.”

Last 'live rescue' made on Friday, authorities say

Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, Jonathan Lamb, Community Services Officer for the Kerrville Police Department said the last “live rescue” in the county was made on Friday.

Sheriff Larry Leitha said it was uncertain how many people remained missing, as rescue operations continue.

“It’s hard to know that number. I know the numbers that we have found, and that’s all I know,” he said.

Five campers and one counselor still missing from Camp Mystic

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing.

The all-girls Christian summer camp on the bank of the Guadalupe River, confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed.

Previously 11 were still missing.

Odessa Police Officer named as one of the flood victims

Bailey Martin, an officer with the Odessa Police Department, has been identified as one of the victims of the Texas floods.

In a statement, the department said that positive identification and notification of next of kin had taken place on Monday.

“We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members,” a statement read.

“Our prayers go out to them and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster.”

OPD said that all its officers were wearing mourning bands over their badges and that flags at the station had been lowered to half mast. It also encouraged the citizens of Odessa to replace their porch lights with blue bulbs for the rest of the week in remembrance of Martin.

(Odessa Police Department)

Noem says people of Texas are 'grateful' to Trump

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Texans are “grateful” for Donald Trump’s support following her visit to the flood-devastated areas.

Speaking at a cabinet meeting Tuesday, she told the president her department was “cutting through the paperwork of old FEMA” in order to give a “much better response to help these families.”

Noem added that authorities were still looking for “a lot of little girls” and recounted how she had met bereaved parents who were “picking up their daughters stuffed animals, or their daughters shoes from cabins.”

“This is time for all of us in this country to remember that we were created to serve each other,” she said. “Every tragedy is unique... I’m proud of the people that immediately stepped up.”