Texas flooding updates: Statewide death toll now at least 78, say officials
At least 78 people are dead and others missing after heavy rain lashed Texas, leading to "catastrophic" flooding.
By far the greatest number of fatalities occurred in Kerr County, where 68 people at last word are believed to be dead, according to officials, including 28 children. At least 41 people are missing statewide as of late Sunday afternoon, officials said.
President Trump has signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County and the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground there, the Department of Homeland Security said Sunday.
Latest Developments
Jul 6, 6:07 PM
Trump says he'll 'probably' visit Texas on Friday, avoids FEMA question
Speaking with reporters before boarding Air Force One on Sunday, President Donald Trump spoke about the flooding in Texas, saying he'll "probably" visit the state on Friday.
"We're working very close with representatives from Texas, and it's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," Trump said, saying he's spoken with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
Asked if the meteorologists at the National Weather Service who were impacted by the federal cuts should be hired back, Trump initially said he didn’t know but eventually said no.
Trump also wouldn't answer if he was working on plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), as internal documents show the agency isn't properly staffed.
“Well, FEMA is something we can talk about later, but right now they're busy working, so we'll leave it at that," the president said.
-ABC News' Lalee Ibssa and Hannah Demissie
Jul 6, 5:23 PM
Texas flooding death toll now at least 78
The number of deaths due to the flooding in Texas is now at least 78, according to the latest information from state officials.
Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) Chief Nim Kidd said during an afternoon press conference with Gov. Greg Abbott in Austin that there were at least 69 people confirmed dead, based on information that was "a few hours hold" at the time they prepared for the conference.
Those numbers included 59 confirmed dead in Kerr County, according to Abbott and Kidd, with 41 missing across the state.
In a separate press conference the began just as Gov. Abbott's was ending, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said that as of 1:30 p.m. local time, there were 68 dead in the county, including 28 children – nine more Kerr County deaths that previously reported.
Eighteen adults and 10 children are pending identification, according to Leitha.
Leitha added that 10 campers and one counselor at Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for. Earlier Sunday, 11 campers remained unaccounted for. It's not known if the single camper was found alive or is among the dead.
Gov. Abbott said only people with "specific information" about a missing person should contact officials in order to prevent unnecessary calls from potentially interfering with recovery efforts.
Jul 6, 4:16 PM
Gov. Abbott giving press conference
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and other officials are currently conducting a press conference in Austin to share the latest information regarding the flooding in Texas.
Jul 6, 1:05 PM
FEMA activated in Texas, according to DHS
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been activated in Texas, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
The activation comes in the wake of President Trump on Sunday signing a disaster declaration for hard-hit Kerr County, where at least 59 people have died as a result of the torrential rains and resulting flooding.
The U.S. Coast Guard is also helping with search-and-rescue operations in the area, according to DHS, using helicopters and other aircraft equipped with thermal cameras to search for survivors.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is "on the ground with Governor Abbott and local leaders on Saturday and will continue to work to make sure Texas has the resources needed to respond and recover," the DHS statement said.
Jul 6, 11:40 AM
President Trump signs "Major Disaster Declaration" for Kerr County, Texas
President Donald Trump posted on his social media platform Sunday morning that he has signed a "Major Disaster Declaration" for Kerr County, Texas.
The declaration is "to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need," the post said, in part.
"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," Trump also wrote.
Jul 6, 11:21 AM
59 dead in Kerr County, including 21 children, sheriff says
Fifty-nine people are dead as a result of the flooding and torrential rains in Kerr County, Texas, Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Sunday-morning press conference. That tally includes 38 adults and 21 children, Leitha said.
Leitha also said 11 campers and one counselor remained missing from Camp Mystic, located on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Search and rescue efforts are ongoing, Leitha said.
Jul 5, 7:12 PM
43 dead in Kerr County
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha provided an update on the flood damage in his area during a news conference and said the death toll rose to 43 people as of 7 p.m. ET.
"Among these who are deceased, we have 28 adults and 15 children," he said.
Leitha said five children and 12 adults are pending identification.
"I assure you we're going to do everything along with our partners, and we'll be on this till we find the last body," he said.
Jul 5, 4:47 PM
32 dead, including 14 children, in catastrophic flooding
At least 32 people are dead, including 14 children, Texas officials said Saturday. Officials are still searching for 27 people who are missing.
"My instruction to every state official involved is to assume everybody who is missing is alive, and there's a need for speed. Not just every hour, every minute counts, which is why there's people in the air, people in the water, people at the ground right now because they're looking to save every last life and we will not give up that effort," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said at a press conference.
Search and rescue teams are continuing to search for live victims, officials said.
Jul 5, 4:33 PM
More than 850 people rescued in last 36 hours
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott commended rescue workers who have saved over 850 people in the last 36 hours, including people who were "clinging to trees to save their lives," he said.
"What has happened over the past 36 hours is really amazing when you look at what the local officials have done, working and collaborating with multiple state agencies as well as our federal partners," Abbott said.
Jul 5, 4:27 PM
Abbott signs expanded disaster declaration adding more counties impacted by flooding
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed an expanded emergency declaration that added Texas counties impacted by the disastrous flooding. The new declaration now includes Bexar, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe, Travis and Williamson counties, Abbott said at a press conference Saturday afternoon.
"We will be relentless and going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who's been a victim of this flooding event. We're not going to stop today or tomorrow. We will stop when the job is completed," Abbott said.
Abbott also signed a request for a federal emergency declaration.
"Know that President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what has happened here in Texas, and the loss of life is absolutely devastating to him and Melania," Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said at the press conference.