Flash Floods in Texas Hill Country: The Latest Updates
The Latest: Deaths rise to 59 in historic Kerr County flash floods, as other deaths reported elsewhere
Introduction to the Disaster
During a visit to storm-battered Texas Hill Country on Saturday, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem vowed help from the Trump administration would be on its way after Gov. Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster following torrential floods that have now killed at least 82 people.
“President [Donald] Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what has happened here in Texas, and the loss of life is absolutely devastating to him and Melania. This morning, I talked with him several times, and he wanted to make sure that all of you know how much he loves Texas,” Noem said.
“He is absolutely committed to using all the resources of the federal government to help unify families,” she said.
Breaking News and Updates
Breaking News
Earlier in the day, Trump said on his social media network, “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy.”
Disaster Declaration and Relief Efforts
On Saturday, Abbott expanded his disaster declaration to include Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties, in addition to Kerr County, and said more counties may be added as warranted. The declaration begins the process of getting federal disaster relief funds.
Noem said she planned to remain in Kerr County and visit Camp Mystic, where 11 girls and one counselor were still reported missing as of Sunday afternoon.
Death Toll and Search and Rescue Operations
The number of confirmed deaths in the Hill Country flooding continued rising Sunday, with Kerr County officials announcing 68 dead, including 28 children.
Flash flooding in Travis and Burnet counties has killed at least six people, with 17 people missing in those areas, as of Sunday.
Assets from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection were assisting state and local search and rescue operations over the weekend.
Modernizing the National Weather Service
Noem said Trump is committed to modernizing the National Weather Service, which she called an “ancient system.”
She vowed to bring the concerns of distraught communities to the president, some of whom say the weather service should have done more to alert residents in the area of the potential for severe flooding.
“We know that everybody wants more warning time, and that’s why we’re working to upgrade the technologies that have been neglected for far too long to make sure that families have as much advanced notice as possible.”
Response from Local and State Officials
Local and state officials at the news conference thanked the president, Noem and Abbott for their commitment to helping the Texas community.
“I don’t think the phone has ringed twice before you’ve answered,” said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management. “Thank you for doing that. Thank you for being here with us.”
Local officials assured the community that emergency search and rescue will continue.
Correction and Update
Correction, 6 p.m., Monday, July 7: This story has been updated to remove information about funding cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. A previous version incorrectly cited the “One Big Beautiful Bill” — signed into law by President Donald Trump last week — for funding changes to some of NOAA’s weather research programs.
Conclusion
The flash floods in Texas Hill Country have caused devastating damage and loss of life. The Trump administration has vowed to provide help and support to the affected communities. The National Weather Service is being modernized to provide better warning systems for severe weather events. The search and rescue operations are ongoing, and the community is coming together to support each other during this difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current death toll from the flash floods in Texas Hill Country?
A: The current death toll is at least 82 people, with 68 confirmed deaths in Kerr County, including 28 children.
Q: What is being done to help the affected communities?
A: The Trump administration has vowed to provide help and support, and the National Weather Service is being modernized to provide better warning systems. The Federal Emergency Management Agency, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection are assisting state and local search and rescue operations.
Q: What can be done to prevent such disasters in the future?
A: Upgrading the technologies and warning systems can help provide more advanced notice to families and communities, reducing the risk of loss of life and damage from severe weather events.
