The death toll from the Texas flooding disaster reached at least 109 victims on Tuesday, though 161 are still known to be missing, state governor Greg Abbott said.
“Know this: we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” he told reporters at a press conference. “There could very likely be more people added to the list.”
The majority of the flooding victims were killed in Kerr County after the Guadalupe River rose almost 24 feet in under an hour early on July 4, carrying off vehicles, RVs and lifting buildings from their foundations.
Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp on the riverbank, confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed with five campers and one counselor still missing. Hundreds of emergency responders continued to search through debris with the flood's footprint stretching more than 100km.
Earlier, Donald Trump confirmed that he and First Lady Melania Trump intend to visit the disaster site in Kerr County on Friday, but said they didn’t “want to get in anyone’s way.”
“That’s what happens – a president goes and everyone is focused [on them] – I don’t want anyone to focus on us,” he said, adding that the situation was “tragic.”
Key Points
- Death toll from Texas flooding disaster reaches 109
- With a dozen still missing, hopes of finding survivors dwindle
- Mapped: Counties hit hardest by flash floods
- Trump confirms Texas visit with Melania on Friday
- Texas meteorologists under fire over accusations flood alerts came too late
Flood survivor recalls ‘terrifying’ moment water started rushing into her cabin
03:40
,
Rachel Dobkin
Leigh-Anne Aiken was staying in a cabin along the Guadalupe River on July 4 when water started rushing in.
Aiken told CNN’s Kaitlan Collins she thought she was hearing “storm noises,” adding she has “profound hearing loss.”
She called her neighbor and he rescued her and her two dogs.
“By the time he got to me, it's maybe 200 yards, but by the time he got to me, the water was already to my knees,” Aiken recalled.
She said the water “ rose from our ankles to our waist in less than probably 15 minutes,” adding it was “really terrifying.”
Kerr County bridge reopened after flood disaster
03:20
,
Rachel Dobkin
A bridge in the hard-hit Kerr County has reopened after flash flooding on July 4.
“The Lemos Bridge on FM 394 is now open to traffic,” the Texas Department of Transportation’s San Antonio District wrote on Facebook Monday night. “TxDOT crews have been working for the past few days to clear debris and make the bridge safe for drivers.”
Governor Abbott says 'our #1 job is to find every single missing person'
03:00
,
Rachel Dobkin
Governor Greg Abbott shared photos from his day of surveying the flood damage and hosting a press conference in Central Texas.
“Right now, our #1 job is to find every single missing person. We will not leave until that job is done,” Abbott wrote on X.
Today, I returned to Kerr County to survey flood damage.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 9, 2025
Our hearts grieve for this community and surrounding areas.
Right now, our #1 job is to find every single missing person.
We will not leave until that job is done. pic.twitter.com/fmS45pJ08t
Flash flooding emergency in New Mexico triggers multiple rescues
02:40
,
Rachel Dobkin
Several rescues took place following flash floods in New Mexico, as a man and two children were washed away on Tuesday.
“A DANGEROUS situation is unfolding in RUIDOSO! A FLASH FLOOD EMERGENCY remains in effect!” the NWS Albuquerque said at 5 p.m. E.T. on Tuesday. “Do NOT attempt to drive through the floodwaters. The current will carry away your vehicle!”
The flooding emergency in New Mexico comes as the death toll following flash floods in Texas has risen to more than 100 people. More than 160 people remain missing there.
In a local storm report at 5.50 p.m., the National Weather Service said multiple rescue missions had started at Gavilan Trailer Park in Ruidoso, and another person was trapped in high water.
Read more from Gustaf Kilander:
Family of flood survivors recall moment they we forced to climb to their roof for safety, compares destruction to ‘war zone’
02:21
,
Rachel Dobkin
Spencer Offenbacker and Corey Jones live about 200 yards from the Guadalupe River, which was flooded on July 4.
“ By the time I realized what was going on, the water was already at our door,” Jones told CNN’s Anderson Cooper.
The couple grabbed their two kids and headed for the roof where they stayed for about two hours.
Offenbacker, an Iraq combat veteran, said their home is “completely destroyed” and the flooding aftermath “looks like a war zone.”
A GoFundMe page dedicated to helping the family rebuild their lives reads: “They are thankful for their lives but grieving the loss their family and community is navigating.”
Timelapse shows deadly Texas floodwater rising in minutes
01:50
,
Rachel Dobkin
Texas officer recalls heroic efforts by police who recused people in 'chest-deep' floodwater
01:30
,
Rachel Dobkin
Sergeant Jonathan Lamb, Kerrville police community services officer, told CNN’s Erin Burnett about the heroic efforts by his fellow officers who “performed under life-threatening conditions” to rescue people in “chest-deep” water.
“Our Kerrville Police Department team performed under life-threatening conditions. Our officers responded to the flooding event...and they, for hours, were wading through thigh-deep, waist-deep, chest-deep water rescuing people from cars, from campers...evacuating people from homes and apartments, risking their own lives to save others,” Lamb said.
In pictures: Tragedy at Camp Mystic after July 4 flood disaster
01:10
,
Rachel Dobkin
Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp on the riverbank, confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed in flash flooding that swept through Central Texas on July 4.
Here are some photos of the aftermath:
R.V. park owner says it's 'impossible to tell' how many are still missing after flood disaster
00:50
,
Rachel Dobkin
The owner of an R.V. park along the Guadalupe River that flooded on July 4 told The New York Times, “It’s impossible to tell how many people are missing.”
Lorena Guillen said she knows how many people were registered to stay at the park on the night of July 3, but others were camping in wild areas nearby.
At a press conference earlier, Governor Greg Abbott said 161 were known to still be missing.
Flood watch in New Mexico as river water rises to over 15 feet
00:35
,
Rachel Dobkin
A flood watch is in effect in Central New Mexico until 8 p.m. local time.
The National Weather Service warned in a notice, “Flash flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible.”
The service’s Albuquerque office shared photos on X of a flood wave on the Rio Ruidoso.
The flood wave on the Rio Ruidoso has reached the Hollywood gage. Stay away from the river! This is a look at the change in the river depth in just 30 minutes, courtesy of the USGS! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/Z0dyILEECi
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
In its latest update, the office said, “The river is now in major flood stage at over 15 feet.”
Another 30 minutes later and it's hard to tell where the riverbed is. The river is now in major flood stage at over 15 feet. Stay away from the river! Seek higher ground NOW! #nmwx pic.twitter.com/gd3ecndelG
— NWS Albuquerque (@NWSAlbuquerque) July 8, 2025
Man recalls moment he helped find his friend's daughter after flood disaster: ‘It brought some closure’
00:20
,
Rachel Dobkin
Louis Deppe helped in the search for his friend’s daughter, who had been swept away by Texas floodwaters.
As a parent himself, Deppe told CBS Mornings he sprang into action.
"His daughter's missing. I have a 21-year-old daughter. I can't imagine. I think every parent's worst nightmare and so didn't think it through, just muscle memory, let's come help and see what's needed,” Deppe said.
His friend’s daughter was found, but “she did not survive,” Deppe said. “It's tragic, but in an odd, important way, it brought some closure.”
Texas Republican responds to Governor Abbott calling questions about blame for the flood disaster, 'the word choice of losers'
00:05
,
Rachel Dobkin
Governor Greg Abbott called questions about who’s to blame for the flood disaster in Central Texas “the word choice of losers” during a Tuesday press conference.
Representative Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, was asked on CNN about Abbott’s remarks.
He responded: “I think the governor's in the thick of it right now like many of us are.”
“I'd also say, too, over a hundred Americans lost their lives, and Americans deserve to find out answers to what happened. And if there was a way that we could prevent future things from happening, I think it's important we do that,” Gonzales added.
Texas officials share photos of flood aftermath
23:50
,
Rachel Dobkin
The Texas Department of Public Safety shared photos taken during a helicopter survey of the flood area, which Governor Greg Abbott joined.
Hundreds of @TxDPS personnel remain deployed in Kerr County to assist with the ongoing flood rescue and recovery efforts. So today, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin updated state lawmakers, including Governor @GregAbbott_TX and House Speaker @Burrows4TX, on the response, and then… pic.twitter.com/RCgeU6J0zs
— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) July 8, 2025
City of Kerrville says Salvation Army pausing donations after reaching 'capacity'
23:34
,
Rachel Dobkin
The city of Kerrville, which was particularly hit hard by the catastrophic flash flooding on July 4, said on Facebook Tuesday the Salvation Army was pausing donations “for the moment.”
“They are at capacity, although they will take calls for volunteer opportunities. We sincerely thank all who have donated for their compassion and willingness to respond to the needs of the community,” the city wrote.
Man who survived Texas flood of 1987 said he was ‘quite shocked’ by July 4 disaster
23:04
,
Rachel Dobkin
Reverend David Simmons, who survived a flash flood along the Guadalupe River in the summer of 1987, told CNN he was “quite shocked” by the July 4 disaster.
When he heard the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, it “brought me right back to where we were 38 years ago.”
The 1987 flash flood along the Guadalupe River killed 10 teenagers and injured 33 others when waters rose 29 feet.
Speaking of the current disaster, Simmons said, “ I would hope that our public officials could get serious about what it would take to prevent this from happening.”
In the aftermath of this catastrophe, some have questioned why those in the flood zone were not alerted sooner.
But former forecasters at the National Weather Service defended Texas meteorologists and said warnings were as timely as they should have been, Julia Musto wrote.
Read more...
Death toll rises to 111: report
22:51
,
Rachel Dobkin
The death toll from the July 4 flash flood in Central Texas rose to 111, the New York Times reported.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said the number of victims rose to 109 during a Tuesday afternoon press conference.
Later, the NYT reported a death toll of 111 after Williamson County officials said they recovered a third body.
Abbott: Texas officials were not prepared for 'a 30-foot-high tsunami wall of water'
22:43
,
Mike Bedigan
Greg Abbott said that although Texas state officials were aware of a possible serious flooding event days before the disastrous flash flooding in Kerr County, they did not know the magnitude of the storm.
“No one would know that would be a 30-foot-high tsunami wall of water, I don’t think,” Abbott told reporters Tuesday.
“All I can tell you is the information we had, the state had, and that we acted on, was information that catalyzed us to begin putting assets and resources in place two days before the event happened.”
Watch: Abbott says media is using 'the word choice of losers'
22:32
,
Mike Bedigan
Abbott: You ask, I'm going to use your words: Who's to blame? Know this. That's the word choice of losers. Let me explain one thing about Texas. Every square inch of our state cares about football. Every football team makes mistakes. The losing teams are the ones who try to… pic.twitter.com/HtfbeYFOTU
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 8, 2025
Emergency alert system will be addressed in Texas state legislature
22:20
,
Mike Bedigan
Abbott said that the emergency alert system is “going to be one of the issues that we begin to address in less than two weeks in the state legislature” after reports emerged that not all people received warnings of the approaching floods.
“We’re going to address every aspect of this storm to make sure that we’re going to have in place the systems that are needed to prevent deadly flooding events like this in the future,” Abbott told reporters at a press conference Tuesday.
Abbott uses football metaphor in response to question over blame
22:09
,
Mike Bedigan
Greg Abbott used an extended metaphor about football in response to a question about who was to blame for the flooding devastation.
“Whose to blame?... That’s the word choice of losers. Let me explain something about Texas, everyone cares about football,” he said.
“Know this: every football team makes mistakes. The losing teams are the ones that like to point out whose to blame.
“The championship teams are the ones that say ‘don’t worry about man, we got this, we’re gonna go score again and we’re gonna win this thing.
“The way winners talk is not to point fingers, they talk about solutions. What Texas is all about is solutions.”
Texas Governor says Trump 'cares a lot' about flood victims
21:59
,
Mike Bedigan
Governor Abbott of Texas praised the response of the Trump administration, telling reporters Wednesday that the president wanted to “step up” to ensure the needs of the state were met.
“He could not stop talking about how sad he was for all the little girls who have lost their lives,” Abbott recalling a conversation with the president.
“He recounted his own understanding of what happened with what was really a tsunami wave of wall of water that swept too many of them away.”
Abbot provides further numbers on victims
21:49
,
Mike Bedigan
At Wednesday’s press conference, Greg Abbott promised that “Texas is in this in this with the people.”
“The primary job right now continues to be locating everybody who was affected by this flood,” he said. “We have to find every single person who is missing - that’s job number one.”
About confirmed that there had been 94 fatalities associated with this flooding event in the Kerr County area and a further 15 in other parts, bringing the total to 109.
He also confirmed that there were still five campers missing from Camp Mystic, as well as one counselor.
Governor Abbott says that there are 161 people missing in Kerr County
21:44
,
Mike Bedigan
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said that there were 161 people who were known to be missing as a result of the flooding.
“Know this: we will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” he told reporters Tuesday afternoon.
“There could very likley be more people added to the list.”
Greg Abbott about to hold press conference
21:34
,
Mike Bedigan
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has arrived to begin a press conference update alongside local officials and first responders from Kerr County.
Kerrville City Council to hold meeting at 7 p.m. ET
21:29
,
Mike Bedigan
The Kerrville City Council will hold a meeting this evening at 7 p.m. ET, the city has said.
The meeting will take place at Kerrville City Hall to discuss the mayor’s disaster declaration and other emergency response matters, according to a public notice.
“The City’s response continues to require immediate action, which is required because of an imminent threat to public health and safety, including a threat caused by the flood, rain, power failure, and other conditions,” the notice said.
Texas governor Greg Abbott takes aerial tour of area
21:10
,
Mike Bedigan
Texas governor Greg Abbott is currently taking an aerial tour of area devastated by flooding.
Abbott is then scheduled to provide updates to media on operations.
Houston Astros announce $1 million donation to flood relief
20:48
,
Mike Bedigan
The Houston Astros baseball team have announced they are committing $1 million to support relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas.
Beyond the initial investment, the Astros Foundation will launch a fan-based initiative to mobilize our passionate fan base.
"It's important to the entire Astros organization, to send immediate support to our fellow Texans throughout the Hill Country during this devastating time," said Astros Owner and Chairman Jim Crane.
“There is a lot still unknown as recovery efforts are ongoing, but the Astros are committed to supporting Central Texas communities in the long term through the coming days, months and years to help rebuild and heal. We also want to acknowledge and personally thank all of the First Responders for their continued heroic efforts!”
— Houston Astros (@astros) July 7, 2025
Texas floods mapped
20:34
,
Mike Bedigan
Here are the affected areas as death toll rises:
Texas officials long feared for riverbank summer camps. A warning system was rejected as too expensive
20:13
,
Mike Bedigan
The Independent’s Julia Musto writes:
Texas rescue helicopter forced to make emergency landing after colliding with private drone
19:56
,
Mike Bedigan
A helicopter used for rescue and recovery operations in flood-stricken Texas was grounded after it collided with a private drone flying in restricted airspace.
The city of Kerrville, Texas, put out an advisory on Monday asking residents to keep their drones grounded until first responders finish searching for flood victims and survivors.
Graig Graziozi has the full story:
Texas Governor Abbott to hold press conference at 4 p.m. ET
19:42
,
Mike Bedigan
Texas Governor Abbott will hold a news conference at 4 p.m. ET.
CNN reports that before the news conference, he and Texas House Speaker Dustin Burrows will survey flood damage from the air.
Latest victim numbers from Kerr County
19:30
,
Mike Bedigan
In an update Tuesday afternoon, authorities provided updates on the number of fatalities in Kerrville city and Kerr County.
The current total for fatalities stands at 87, including 57 adults (20 pending identification) and 30 children (7 pending identification) according to Kerr County sheriff Larry Leitha.
The overall death toll from the floods has now reached at least 109, with sheriff Leitha saying it was not known exactly how many remain missing.
The Guadalupe River in Texas surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes. No one saw it coming
19:15
,
Mike Bedigan
Arkansas National Guard sends four Blackhawk helicopters to help Texas recovery
19:02
,
Mike Bedigan
The Arkansas National Guard has sent four Blackhawk helicopters to help with the ongoing search and recovery efforts in central Texas.
“Our hearts go out to those affected in Texas,” said Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Arkansas’ adjutant general. “Under Governor Sanders’ leadership and direction, we’re eager to assist our brothers and sisters in the Texas National Guard as they continue to respond and recover from the Texas flooding.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders mobilized the troops on Monday to assist with transportation of search and rescue personnel in the vicinity of Austin, Texas.
Camp Mystic was built on 'extremely hazardous' flood zone
18:49
,
Mike Bedigan
Camp Mystic, which confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed in the floods, sits in an area deemed “extremely hazardous” by officials, according to analysis by The Houston Chronicle.
A review of property records and federal flood maps by the outlet found that Mystic and several other nearby camps sit amid a “patchwork of special hazard flood areas.”
Several of the camps even contain parts that sit in a “designated floodway” – the channel where water flows most strongly during a flood.
“In Texas, we have been very irresponsible about the way we treat floodways and floodplains,” said Jim Blackburn, a Rice University professor who specializes in environmental law and flooding issues, told The Chronicle.
“We have always treated them as a kind of environmental red tape rather than a true danger area, and I think that has dis-served us across the board.”
Last 'live rescue' made on Friday, authorities say
18:33
,
Mike Bedigan
Speaking at a Tuesday press conference, Jonathan Lamb, Community Services Officer for the Kerrville Police Department said the last “live rescue” in the county was made on Friday.
Sheriff Larry Leitha said it was uncertain how many people remained missing, as rescue operations continue.
“It’s hard to know that number. I know the numbers that we have found, and that’s all I know,” he said.
Five campers and one counselor still missing from Camp Mystic
18:21
,
Mike Bedigan
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing.
The all-girls Christian summer camp on the bank of the Guadalupe River, confirmed 27 girls and staff members had been killed.
Previously 11 were still missing.
Odessa Police Officer named as one of the flood victims
17:53
,
Mike Bedigan
Bailey Martin, an officer with the Odessa Police Department, has been identified as one of the victims of the Texas floods.
In a statement, the department said that positive identification and notification of next of kin had taken place on Monday.
“We kindly ask that you respect the family's privacy during this difficult time, as they have not only lost Bailey but also several other family members,” a statement read.
“Our prayers go out to them and to everyone affected by this devastating natural disaster.”
OPD said that all its officers were wearing mourning bands over their badges and that flags at the station had been lowered to half mast. It also encouraged the citizens of Odessa to replace their porch lights with blue bulbs for the rest of the week in remembrance of Martin.
Noem says people of Texas are 'grateful' to Trump
17:45
,
Mike Bedigan
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Texans are “grateful” for Donald Trump’s support following her visit to the flood-devastated areas.
Speaking at a cabinet meeting Tuesday, she told the president her department was “cutting through the paperwork of old FEMA” in order to give a “much better response to help these families.”
Noem added that authorities were still looking for “a lot of little girls” and recounted how she had met bereaved parents who were “picking up their daughters stuffed animals, or their daughters shoes from cabins.”
“This is time for all of us in this country to remember that we were created to serve each other,” she said. “Every tragedy is unique... I’m proud of the people that immediately stepped up.”
Krisit Noem recalls harrowing details of Texas visit
17:34
,
Mike Bedigan
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem recounted harrowing details of her recent visit to central Texas, where she visited the communities devastated by the flash flooding.
“I had walked through the cabin where all the little girls died, and I had kinda fallen apart in there but I walked out of the cabin. There was a gentleman, he said ‘that man over there needs a hug.’
“I walked over here and I hugged him and I said ‘do you work here?’ and he said ‘no my little girl was in that cabin. I just found her best friend about a half an hour ago, she had passed awa y’ – and he just fell apart, and we hugged and talked.”
Noem added that she had also met a camp counselor, who told her she had been holding onto two girls in the heavy flood waters, but had lost them in the violent waters.
“She said ‘I will live with that for the rest of my life,’” Noem said, adding: “The strength of people is incredible.”
Trump says response in Texas was 'so unified'
17:19
,
Mike Bedigan
Speaking at a cabinet meeting Wednesday, Donald Trump said the response to the flooding from federal and state authorities was “so unified.”
“We had a lot of helicopters, it was actually dangerous... but they were real pros and they were responsible for pulling out a lot of people. We got them there fast,” he said.
The president added: “Texas has some good ones too. The response has been incredible and the fact that we got on so well... I don’t even think that’s a political thing, it was so unified.
“I think a lot of lives have been saved... As bad as it was you could have lost double or triple.”
Trump confirms Texas visit with Melania on Friday
17:08
,
Mike Bedigan
Donald Trump has confirmed that he will be visiting Texas on Friday with First Lady Melania Trump, to survey the damage caused by the devastating flooding.
“I’ll be going down on Friday with the First Lady, we’ll be taking a trip,” he said at a cabinet meeting Wednesday.
“We don’t want to get in anyone’s way, because that’s what happens – a president goes and everyone is focused – I don’t want anyone to focus on us.”
The president added: “What a tragic situation.”
How Texas flash floods burst into a deadly tide in mere hours
17:06
,
Mike Bedigan
With at least 105 dead and two dozen still missing, Friday’s catastrophic flash flooding in Central Texas ranks among the worst natural disasters in the state’s history.
The brunt of the disaster centered in Kerr County, where the torrential rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks, taking 84 victims, including 28 children.
Here’s what you need to know:
Fox News Commentator says Democrats have convinced people that 'if you vote for them they will make the weather good'
16:55
,
Mike Bedigan
Fox News Commentator Charles Hurt claimed that the Democrats have convinced people that “if you vote for them they will make the weather good.”
Watch below:
Hurt: They've convinced half of the electorate in America that the government can control the weather and that if you vote for them they will make the weather good pic.twitter.com/anDGOMxlkN
— Acyn (@Acyn) July 8, 2025
Kerr County Sheriff dodges questions on flood response timeline
16:36
,
Mike Bedigan
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha was unable to answer a question about whether the local emergency manager was awake at the time that the first flooding alert came out.
Asked about specific timings at a press conference Tuesday, Leitha replied: “We're in the process of trying to put a timeline. That is not my priority at this time.”
“Was the emergency manager awake?” a reported asked.
“I can't tell you at this time,” Leitha replied.
REPORTER: What specific actions did local officials take between 1:14am, when the first flood emergency alert came out, and hours later when the river started flooding?
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) July 8, 2025
KERR COUNTY SHERIFF: We're in the process of trying to put a timeline. That is not my priority at this time.… pic.twitter.com/ZVrrJjx1NJ
Some bodies have been released to families
16:32
,
Mike Bedigan
Some bodies have been released to their families though some remain in autopsy, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a new conference Wednesday.
Sheriff Leitha said it was uncertain how many remain missing.
Authorities will hold another press conference at 5 p.m. unless there was a critical update.
Kerr County official urges public not to visit the area
16:21
,
Mike Bedigan
Community Services Officer Jonathan Lamb, urged people to stay away from the area.
“We understand there’s natural curiosity, people want to come and see the flood damage,” he said at a news conference Wednesday.
“Now is not the time for sightseeing
