President Donald Trump on Friday described the devastating flash floods in Texas, which have claimed 24 lives, as “terrible” and “shocking.”
“It’s terrible, the floods. It’s shocking,” Trump said, responding to the unfolding tragedy in Kerr County, located in south-central Texas.
The floods, triggered by torrential overnight rain, have also left several people missing — including 20 girls attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in the town of Hunt. Rescue operations by air and water are currently underway.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 24 people have died due to the sudden flooding of the Guadalupe River. So far, 237 individuals have been rescued — 167 of them by helicopter.
A dramatic rise in the river’s water level was recorded during the deluge. According to the National Weather Service, the river gauge in Hunt soared 22 feet within hours, peaking at 29.5 feet before failing.
Among the rescued was 13-year-old camper Elinor Lester, who told the Associated Press she and her cabin mates were airlifted to safety.
“The camp was completely destroyed,” Lester recalled. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.”
As the search continues for the missing children, officials warn that the situation remains critical, with rescue teams racing against time in dangerous conditions.
