Rescuers in Texas are racing to find missing people after deadly flash floods. So far, the disaster has claimed at least 78 lives. Many of the missing are children. Meanwhile, forecasters have warned that more heavy rain may hit the region soon.
Trump Comments from Air Force One
While returning from his golf vacation, US President Donald Trump spoke aboard Air Force One. He said he would “probably” visit Texas on Friday.
When asked about previous budget cuts to weather services, Trump denied they played a role. Instead, he called the flooding a “100-year catastrophe” that “nobody expected.”
Kerr County Suffers Major Loss
In central Texas, Kerr County recorded the highest death toll. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 40 adults and 28 children died. Additionally, nearby areas reported 10 more deaths.
Later, Texas public safety chief Freeman Martin warned during a press conference, “You will see the death toll rise today.”
According to Governor Greg Abbott, 41 people remain missing across flooded areas of the state.
Questions Rise Over Delayed Warnings
As the situation unfolds, many are questioning why emergency warnings arrived late and why no early evacuation took place in the popular camping region. Trump blamed the delays on the Biden administration. “That was not our setup,” he told reporters.
Furthermore, Trump stated he would “not” rehire meteorologists when asked about staff and budget cuts at the National Weather Service. When asked about FEMA, he replied, “FEMA is something we can talk about later.”
Although Trump has long argued that states should manage disaster relief, he signed a major federal disaster declaration to unlock emergency resources for Texas.
Search Ongoing for Missing Campers
At the same time, 17 helicopters are searching central Texas for missing people. Among them are ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp by the Guadalupe River.
Around 750 campers were staying there when the flood hit. Overnight on Friday, the river swelled rapidly. The rising water reached tree branches and cabin roofs. It swept away some campers as they slept. As a result, the area was left devastated.
