President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance have expressed their condolences following severe flooding in Texas that has killed at least 27 people, including nine children. Dozens more remain missing, with rescue efforts still underway.
In a Truth Social post, US President Trump said the administration was working closely with officials on the ground. “The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday,” he wrote.
“Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our brave first responders are on site doing what they do best. God bless the families, and God bless Texas.”
US Vice-President JD Vance also reacted on X, describing the deaths as “an incomprehensible tragedy.” He added, “Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.”
Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families. Just an incomprehensible tragedy.
I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.
***Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine…
— JD Vance (@JDVance) July 5, 2025
At least 27 people — 18 adults and 9 children have been confirmed dead after torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly on Friday, sweeping through parts of Kerr County in central Texas. Local officials said the river rose 26 feet (7.9 metres) in under an hour.
Rescue operations are focused around Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp near Kerrville, where at least 25 children are reported missing. A 13-year-old girl who survived told reporters the camp was “completely destroyed.”
A woman falls while climbing with others over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP)
Emergency services said more than 850 people have been rescued so far, with over 160 airlifts. The Texas Division of Emergency Management deployed 14 helicopters, drones, and hundreds of emergency workers to aid the response.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said the scale of the disaster had not been anticipated. “We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what’s happened here,” he told reporters.
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A state of emergency has been declared in several counties. More rain is forecast over the weekend, with flash flood warnings still in place across the region.