At least 24 people have died in Kerr County, Texas, after devastating floods swept through the region, County Sheriff Larry L Leitha confirmed on Saturday, according to CNN.
US President Donald Trump described the situation as “terrible” and assured federal support for rescue and relief efforts.
“It’s shocking. They don’t know yet how many people are affected, but it looks like some young people have died,” Trump said aboard Air Force One en route to New Jersey. “Oh yeah, we’ll take care of them. We’re working with the governor. It’s a terrible thing.”
Governor Greg Abbott said that search and rescue operations would continue through the night and into the next day, with state and local agencies working round the clock to locate those missing.
“They will continue in the darkness of night and resume at sunrise. They will be nonstop, seeking to find everybody who is unaccounted for,” Abbott stated.
Infrared-equipped helicopters have been deployed to aid in the rescue efforts, according to sources familiar with the operations. So far, over 200 people have been rescued from the floodwaters, with 167 airlifted by helicopter.
Major General Thomas M Suelzer noted that three more helicopters are en route to support ongoing efforts. “We are seeing a very effective helicopter response when the weather permits,” he said at a Friday night press briefing.
Efforts are also being made to manage evacuee shelters and confirm the status of those already rescued. Emergency responders continue to prioritize tracking and accountability for displaced residents.
The disaster has drawn national attention, with both state and federal agencies coordinating to address what has become one of the deadliest flooding events in recent Texas history.
