President Donald Trump said he’s signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas, one of the six counties hit by catastrophic flooding over the weekend.
At least 59 people have been killed in Kerr County and at least 70 have been killed in central Texas as of Sunday (July 6) afternoon, NBC News reports.
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social account. “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!”
Officials confirmed that 11 girls from the Camp Mystic Christian camp remain missing as of Sunday. Five missing campers identified as Renee Smajstrla, 8; Sarah Marsh, 8; Janie Hunt, 9; Lila Bonner, 9, and Eloise Peck, 8; were included in the rising death toll. Gov. Abbott called the storm an “extraordinarily catastrophe” and confirmed that rescue missions for the missing Christian camp girls would continue overnight during a press conference Friday (July 4) night.
“They will continue in the darkness of night, they will be taking place when the sun rises in the morning. They will be non-stop,” Abbott said.
The all-girls sleep-away camp was evacuated overnight during the storms, however, several of the campers were reportedly left behind. Some of the girls were reportedly located and are stranded, however, dozens remain unaccounted for.
“That does not mean they’ve been lost. They could be in a tree. They could be out of communication. We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick specified on Friday via the New York Post..
Staffers sent an email to families informing them of the incident and confirmed that the camp had lost power, water and WiFi during the incident.
“If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for,” the email, which was obtained by KSAT, stated. “We are working with search and rescue currently. The highway has washed away so we are struggling to get more help.”
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