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As most Americans prepared to celebrate Independence Day on Friday, a horrific tragedy was unfolding in the Texas Hill Country. Remnants of Tropical Storm Barry converged with a moisture trough over central Texas and formed a slow-moving system that dropped billions of gallons of rain over the area, causing the Guadalupe River (and other tributaries) to flood, rising 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
Numerous campgrounds along the river’s banks washed away, as did many homes. The current death toll stands at 51, and 27 girls from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. It’s a scene of heartbreaking devastation, reminiscent in some respects of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee last fall.
On Sunday morning, as search and rescue efforts continue, President Donald Trump announced that he has signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025
I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes the effect of a Major Disaster Declaration thusly:
The President can declare a major disaster for any natural event, including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought, or, regardless of cause, fire, flood, or explosion, that the President determines has caused damage of such severity that it is beyond the combined capabilities of state and local governments to respond. A major disaster declaration provides a wide range of federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work.
On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott worked alongside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, noting that hundreds of Texans had been rescued thus far.
Governor @GregAbbott_TX, @Sec_Noem, & a host of other officials briefed the public on search & rescue efforts in Kerrville.
So far, over 800 Texans have been saved.
Further updates will be provided here: pic.twitter.com/hYBk4yMGC9
— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 5, 2025
The governor declared Sunday, July 6, a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods.
Declared this Sunday, July 6th, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country.
I invite Texans to join me in prayer for the communities affected by this disaster. pic.twitter.com/vHWt1CQPzW
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025
Update – 11:55 AM Eastern:
Just as this article was published, reports indicate that the Kerr County Sheriff has now updated the death toll to 59, including 21 children, and indicated that 11 campers and one counselor still remain missing.
Kerr County sheriff: 59 killed, including 21 children; 11 campers and a counselor still missing in Texas Hill Country floods
— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) July 6, 2025
