KERRVILLE, TEXAS — The death toll in the catastrophic flash flooding that has devastated central Texas climbed to 81 on Sunday, as rescue teams continued their desperate search for the missing — including 10 children and a counselor from a beloved summer camp — while forecasters warned that even more rain was on the way.
Authorities reported that floodwaters, unleashed by a historic deluge late Thursday into early Friday, tore through communities along the Guadalupe River, washing away homes, campsites, and vehicles in one of the deadliest weather events the state has faced in recent memory.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that as of Sunday afternoon, crews had recovered the bodies of 40 adults and 28 children, with at least 41 people still unaccounted for across the state. “We will continue our search efforts until everybody is found,” Leitha said in an emotional update.
Among those missing are 10 young campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian girls’ camp nestled on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Officials say the river rose more than 26 feet in less than an hour, fueled by an extraordinary weather event that dumped what meteorologists described as six months’ worth of rain in a matter of hours.
“It was an unthinkable wall of water,” said Kerr County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Thibodeaux. “These families had no time to react.”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott, speaking at a Sunday news conference, said at least 650 people have been rescued so far. He praised the tireless work of first responders but warned the situation remained dangerous. “There are still unknowns. People camping, people in RVs — we don’t even know all the names of those missing yet,” Abbott said. He confirmed that President Trump would visit the flood-ravaged region on Tuesday, pledging federal support for recovery efforts.
The floodwaters have carved a path of destruction through the heart of the Texas Hill Country, affecting towns like Kerrville, Ingram, Center Point, and beyond. Helicopters, drones, search dogs, and dive teams have been deployed as rescue operations enter their fourth day.
Along the riverbanks, twisted debris, shattered cabins, and uprooted trees tell the story of a flash flood that arrived with terrifying speed and left almost nothing untouched. Volunteers and officials alike have struggled to keep up with the scale of the devastation.
The National Weather Service has issued continued flood warnings for central Texas, noting that additional rainfall of 2 to 4 inches is expected Sunday evening into Monday. Soil across the region remains saturated, and any further rain could rapidly worsen the situation.
State and federal agencies are coordinating to open emergency shelters, restore power to thousands of homes, and assess long-term infrastructure damage. Local officials are urging residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to monitor weather alerts closely.
“We are praying for every missing soul and every grieving family,” said Gov. Abbott. “But we also know the road to recovery will be long — and it will take all of us working together.”
Key Developments:
- Death toll: 81 confirmed dead (40 adults, 28 children recovered)
- Missing persons: 41 across affected areas
- Major concern: 10 children and a counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for
- Rainfall: Over six months’ worth of rain fell in under 24 hours
- Rescues: At least 650 people rescued by Sunday
- President Trump visit: Scheduled for Tuesday
