President Donald Trump has responded to the unfolding tragedy in Texas, where sudden flooding has resulted in multiple deaths and the disappearance of nearly two dozen young girls.
Flash Flood Hits Guadalupe River, Sweeping Away Summer Camp
In the early hours of Friday, July 4, torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River in Kerr County to rise more than 20 feet in just 90 minutes. The swift surge engulfed cabins at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer retreat for girls aged seven to 17.
While the majority of campers were successfully evacuated, reports indicate that between 23 and 25 girls remain missing. Desperate parents have gathered along the river, anxiously seeking any news of their daughters.
Hundreds Rescued, But Many Still Missing
According to Sky News, officials confirmed that at least 237 individuals have been rescued so far — including 167 by helicopter — though several remain unaccounted for.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stressed the lack of forewarning: “We didn’t know this flood was coming. Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming,” he said, as reported by BBC News. He noted the region lacks an official alert system for sudden floods.
Texas Governor **Greg Abbott** has declared a state of disaster in several central counties hit hardest by the flooding. These include Bandera, Comal, Concho, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimball, Llano, Mason, McCullough, Menard, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green.
Governor Abbott pledged that no resources would be spared: “They’re going to have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the state of Texas can provide… We will stop at nothing to ensure every last person is rescued,” he said, according to CNN.
President Trump Calls Situation “Terrible” and Promises Federal Aid
As the severity of the disaster became more apparent, President Trump called the situation “terrible” and “shocking” during comments made aboard **Air Force One**. He acknowledged that the full extent of the casualties remains unclear but confirmed that children are among the victims.
“They don’t know the answer yet as to how many people, but it looks like some young people have died,” said the 79-year-old former president.
When asked about federal assistance, Trump confirmed, “Oh yeah, we’ll take care of it. We’re working with the governor.”
Melania Trump Sends Prayers to Families
First Lady Melania Trump also expressed her condolences on social media, writing:
“My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience.”
As rescue efforts press on, several families have begun releasing the names of their missing daughters in hopes of gathering information and receiving help. Among those listed areHadley Hanna (8), Lainey Landry (9), Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner, Renee Smajstrla, Janie Hunt, Greta Toranzo, Kellyanne Lytal, and Virginia Hollis.
Camp Mystic has urged families to remain calm, noting that if parents have not been contacted directly, they should assume their daughters are safe. Nonetheless, authorities stress that the search and rescue mission is still ongoing.