Texas Gov Greg Abbott announces rise in flood deaths, over 40 still missing, more water on the way

Texas Governor Greg Abbott held a press conference in Austin on Sunday to give an update on the current status of the missing and dead following a flash flood that devastated areas of the hill country, including the town of Kerrville. There are currently some deceased persons, both adults and children, who have not yet been identified. 

Abbott said that "There is heavy rainfall that's already occurred, and there's more heavy rainfall that's expected that will lead to potential flash flooding broadly in these regions, the big country, Concho Valley, Central Texas, and, once again, Kerrville. The point is this: if you're in any of those regions, you need to realize, for one, you're in an area with land that's already saturated, saturated with water. But for another, when more water comes down, it could lead to rapid flash flooding events."

He noted that he had visited Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls that suffered extreme damage. At least five girls were reported dead from that location. 18 tactical Marine units have been deployed to aid the search for the missing, said a Texas official

"In Kerrville and Kerr County, there are 59 confirmed deceased," Abbott said. "There's still 11 missing from Camp Mystic. Separate from there, in the Central Texas area, there are confirmed 10 deceased. And across the state and all the areas affected by flooding, there are 41 known missing. So important to emphasize this, especially in the Kerrville area, there were so many people who were just camping out, not children in camps, but adults camping out near the river, people in RVs and things like that."

He explained that in addition to the people who are known to be missing, there are people who may be missing but have not yet been reported as such. "One thing that could help this is, if you are a relative or friend of someone that you think was in Kerrville, or Kerr County that you think is missing, please contact the local officials in Kerr County and let them know that you have the name, identification and other information about a person who is suspected to be missing."

Abbott praised President Donald Trump's swift disaster declaration, which allows for a quick federal response and the freeing up of funds. "Bottom line is this, and that is the swift and very robust action by President Trump is an extraordinary help to our response," Abbott said. He also thanked DHS Secreatary Kristi Noem.

Flash floods struck Central Texas on Friday after rains caused the Guadalupe River to rise. Children at Camp Mystic were swept away, as were people who were camping along the river bank. People who lived in the area were also swept away as cars washed out and homes became filled with water. 

At least five girls are among the dead from Camp Mystic, along with the co-executive director. A man died after slashing his arm trying to free his family from their mobile home.