Nick Sorter, a member of the United Cajun Navy, a volunteer rescue group from Louisiana, shared a grim update from the heart of the disaster with CNN on Saturday afternoon.

“The people have lost everything. If your house was even close to the riverbank, it’s gone, swept off the foundation,” Sorter said. “At this point, we don’t know how many people were even home when this happened. If you were home … you probably got swept down the river.”

Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls in Hunt, is located close to the water and was trapped between a cliff and the quickly rising river. At least one girl is confirmed dead and 27 are reported missing at Camp Mystic.

“There was nowhere for these kids to go. The buildings were washed out, just carved out from the inside,” Sorter said.

The rescue operation is further complicated by a severe debris field, with downed trees blocking the path of riverboats, he added. Low-hanging clouds are also preventing helicopters from reaching the area, slowing down efforts.

Overnight, connectivity issues made the situation even worse. Search teams, working in pitch black darkness, were unable to communicate effectively because radios were down and cell phones didn’t work, Sorter said. However, some were able to regain contact using Starlink, a system now being deployed in every first responder vehicle across Kerr County to prevent future disruptions.

In one miraculous rescue, a young girl was found alive after being swept 12 miles downstream and surviving by clinging to a tree, according to Sorter.

“That is nothing short of a miracle,” he said. “It’s remarkable that she was able to survive, that she beat the odds.”

As each hour passes, Sorter says the outlook grows bleaker. The number of missing children has not dropped significantly, and the urgency of the search is still overwhelming.

“Time is precious right now, especially when we’re talking about the amount of missing children, these young girls, you see these pictures, and it’s horrifying to even think about,” Sorter said.

The first images have emerged of three young girls as well as a father who are among the 27 killed in horror flooding in Texas.

At least 27 children are still missing after water swept through a kids’ summer camp. The Guadalupe River burst its banks early on Friday after heavy rain. The water rose by 26ft in just 45 minutes, officials said.

The body of a nine-year-old girl named Renee has been found, her family confirmed in a statement. Desperate search efforts are ongoing to locate the other missing children.

For live updates on the Texas floods, follow our live blog below…

From 4h ago 16.13 BST Twenty seven people confirmed dead in Texas Twenty seven people are confirmed dead after flooding in Texas. Eighteen are adults and nine are children, an official from Kerr County said. “We are working hard to locate anyone who is still missing and ensure they are safe,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. Some 850 people have been rescued so far. Share

12m ago 19.40 BST The director of a popular Texas summer camp, located northwest of San Antonio, was killed in Friday’s floods, the camp said in a post on Facebook. Jane Ragsdale, the longtime director of the Heart O’ the Hills camp, did not survive the flooding. The camp was not in session but Ragsdale was on site when the flood hit. The Heart O’ the Hills camp is located around two miles from Camp Mystic, the Dallas Morning News reported. Camp Mystic is where a search is ongoing for 27 girls, who are still missing. “We are mourning the loss of a woman who influenced countless lives and was the definition of strong and powerful,” the camp said. Share

39m ago 19.13 BST The city of Seguin in Texas, east of San Antonio, announced they have opened a temporary shelter for those in need during the flooding event. The shelter is now open at the Utilities Operation Center, 3027 N Austin Street, in the city of Seguin. Share Updated at 19.14 BST

1h ago 18.41 BST The San Antonio archdiocese will be hosting a special mass prayer service tomorrow, Sunday, 6 July, at 11am at the Notre Dame church in Kerrville, according to a post on the archdiocese’s Facebook account. The mass will be for people to “pray for those who have lost their lives and person that are missing”, the archdiocese said. “Prayers will also be offered for the emergency responders and those who have begun the work of providing for the needs of the impacted in these communities in their recovery efforts; that they may be kept from harm as they seek to bring relief, comfort, and healing.” Share Updated at 19.04 BST

2h ago 18.12 BST A Kerrville city official said during this morning’s press conference that there will be two more briefings today, to update the public about the flood and rescue efforts. The next press briefing will be at 2pm Central time and the following will be at 6pm Central time. Share Updated at 18.35 BST

2h ago 17.41 BST The National Weather Service issued a flash flood emergency for River Road along the Guadalupe River, between the towns of Sattler and Gruene in Comal county. They are urging residents to evacuate immediately. Flash flood emergencies remain in effect for various locations around central Texas, including: Burnet county, western Williamson county, north-west Travis county, and the Guadalupe River in Colam county, between Sattler/Gruene, the National Weather Service said. Share Updated at 17.47 BST

3h ago 17.16 BST Authorities say more than 1,000 rescuers are on the ground in Texas, searching for missing people as rains continue to fall outside of San Antonio, the Associated Press reports. Flash flood warnings remain in effect. Twenty-seven girls from Camp Mystic remain missing, officials say, as authorities have rescued more than 850 people during operations so far. Share Updated at 17.49 BST

3h ago 16.36 BST A drone video shows the scale of devastation left by the flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday. Live Live Drone footage shows extent of deadly Texas flooding – video Share

4h ago 16.19 BST Twenty seven children missing from camp City manager Dalton Rice acknowledged the number of those missing is likely to change throughout the day, saying: “The 27 missing are the children from Camp Mystic. As for unknown other missing, we do not have an accurate count, and we do not want to begin to estimate at this time.” The news conference has now ended with further updates expected at around 2pm and 6pm local time. Share Updated at 18.33 BST

4h ago 16.17 BST Sheriff Larry Leitha told a news conference: “I want to tell you and assure y’all that we will not stop till every single person is found. “We’ve got all the resources we need. We’re here for the long haul. As I said, numbers will be changing rapidly.” A shelter has been set up for the general public who need assistance. Representative Chip Roy said there are one thousand “boots on the ground” with 160 air rescues having taken place already. Share

4h ago 16.13 BST Twenty seven people confirmed dead in Texas Twenty seven people are confirmed dead after flooding in Texas. Eighteen are adults and nine are children, an official from Kerr County said. “We are working hard to locate anyone who is still missing and ensure they are safe,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. Some 850 people have been rescued so far. Share

4h ago 16.09 BST In the last few minutes, the US president Donald Trump has posted this on his Truth Social platform: “The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!” Share Updated at 16.20 BST

4h ago 16.03 BST What we know so far If you’re just joining us, here’s a quick summary of all the latest from the devastating floods in Texas. At least 24 people are known to have died in flash flooding after the Guadalupe River burst its banks early on Friday

Up to 25 girls who had been attending a Christian summer camp near the town of Kerrville, north-west of San Antonio, are still missing

One 13-year-old girl who was evacuated by helicopter after being woken in the middle of the night said the “camp was completely destroyed”

Officials have said the floods were not predicted by forecasts and that the river rose by 26ft (8m) in just 45 minutes

Vice President JD Vance has called the deaths an “incomprehensible tragedy”, while First Lady Melania Trump said she was sending her “prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience” for those affected

Pictures from the ground show widespread destruction to homes, vehicles, and trees as well as ongoing rescue efforts

Warnings for flash flooding around the region remain in place

More rain has been forecast for Saturday and Sunday, with Texas Lt-Gov Dan saying the forecast for potential heavy rain and flooding covered a large area Share

4h ago 15.47 BST Multiple flash flood warnings have been announced in the region around the Guadalupe River. The National Weather Service for Austin and San Antonio said warnings were in place in the areas around the town of McSweeney and the city of Lockhart, both of which sit to the northeast of San Antonio. It issued a further warning for the city of Georgetown, which sits to the north of Austin. Share

4h ago 15.28 BST Deaths an ‘incomprehensible tragedy’, says VP US Vice President JD Vance has described the deaths caused by the flooding in Texas as an “incomprehensible tragedy”. At least 24 people are known to have died after the Guadalupe River burst its banks early on Friday, while more than 20 others are still missing. “Our nation’s heart breaks for the victims in Texas and their families,” Vance wrote in a statement on social media. “Just an incomprehensible tragedy. “I hope everyone affected knows they’re in the prayers of my family, and of millions of Americans.” He also shared a prayer: “Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, “and let perpetual light shine upon them. “May the souls of all the faithful departed, “through the mercy of God, rest in peace.” Share Updated at 15.29 BST

5h ago 15.04 BST Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, which is collecting donations to help nonprofits responding to the disaster, said the area affected is known as “flash flood alley” because of the hills’ thin layer of soil. “When it rains, water doesn’t soak into the soil,” Dickson told the Associated Press. “It rushes down the hill.” River tourism industry is a key part of the Hill Country economy. Well-known, century-old summer camps bring in children from all over the country, Dickson said. “It’s generally a very tranquil river with really beautiful clear blue water that people have been attracted to for generations,” he added. Share

A desperate search continues in Texas on Saturday for over 20 girls from a children’s camp who are missing amid deadly flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas Hill Country. Texas authorities provided a general overview of the disaster in the state on Saturday morning, reporting at least 27 fatalities, including nine children. Several of the deceased have yet to be identified. Many people remain unaccounted for. Among those still missing are over 20 young girls from an all-girls Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic. The camp is situated in Kerr County, which was hit especially hard by Friday’s flash flood. Parents have been appealing for information about their missing children via social media.

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“People need to know today will be a hard day,” said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. at a press conference on Saturday. Rescue efforts are using helicopters, drones, and boats to search for victims and reach survivors. A difficult task as, per the authorities, the Guadalupe River rose 26 ft in under an hour on Friday. Though the flood waters are now receding, authorities have said the area is still “very difficult terrain,” especially as debris is washing up. “The camp was completely destroyed,” said 13-year-old Elinor Lester, one of the campers at Camp Mystic, according to Associated Press. “A helicopter landed and started taking people away. It was really scary.” Read More: Texas Suffers Deadly Flash Floods on July 4 Camp Mystic is understood to house older girls on elevated ground known as Senior Hill. Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick on Friday evening said: “All campers on Senior Hill are accounted for. If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified from the camp. If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter has been accounted for.” He went on to clarify, “That does not mean [the missing children] have been lost. They could be out of communication.”

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Patrick read a statement from Camp Mystic, saying it has experienced “catastrophic levels of flooding” and has been left with “no power, water, or wifi.” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said in a press conference that the flood was “extraordinarily catastrophic” and shared that the state is still in a “search and rescue posture,” looking for those who remain missing, including the girls at Camp Mystic.

A member of the public stands next to overturned vehicles and broken trees after a flash flood swept through the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on July 5, 2025. Ronaldo Schmeidt—Getty Images

On Friday, Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 15 counties in Texas “to ensure counties have access to every tool, strategy, and personnel that the State of Texas can provide to them, which will be limitless.”

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President Donald Trump commented on the floods on Friday, calling the event “shocking” when talking to reporters on Air Force One. When asked about federal aid, Trump said: “We’ll take care of it,” adding that he would work with Abbott. Trump elaborated on Saturday morning, stating that his Administration is working with state and local officials in response to the “tragic” flooding, and that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem would shortly be arriving in Texas to assess the situation. “Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy,” Trump said via Truth Social. “Our brave first responders are on site doing what they do best. God bless the families and God bless Texas.” Larry Leitha, Sheriff of Kerr County, said that as of Saturday morning, over 800 people had been evacuated overall. Texas Rep. Chip Roy, a Republican, told press on Saturday that one of his children’s schoolmates was on a mattress for several hours in the middle of the night after the flood, but has since been reunited with her mom. Roy did not clarify if the child was floating on a mattress in floodwaters or where they had been prior to the flooding.

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“Those are the kind of blessings that we should be celebrating, while we’re also mourning the loss of life as we identify those who didn’t make it,” Roy said.

Read More: Mass Layoffs at NOAA Spark Concerns Over Weather, Climate Research

Nim Kidd, the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), said Friday that National Weather Service (NWS) advisories and forecasts “did not predict the amount of rain we saw.”

Early Thursday afternoon, the NWS had issued a broad flood watch for parts of south-central Texas, including Kerr County, though the most severe warnings came in the middle of the night and early morning Friday.

Yesterday’s deadly flooding in central Texas and surge of the Guadalupe River occurred once before in 1987.

Almost 38 years ago on July 16, heavy rainfall triggered 5 to 10 inches of rain in the upper headwaters of the Guadalupe River basin, resulting in a massive flood wave that traveled through Kerrville and Comfort, according to the National Weather Service.

The river surged 29 feet and crested over 31 feet, “the ninth highest crest in recorded history,” the weather service said.

Ten teenagers were killed when a bus and van leaving a church camp at the Pot O’ Gold Ranch near Comfort encountered flood waters, the weather service said. Thirty-three others were injured in the incident.

The 1987 Guadalupe River flood. National Weather Service

“An attempt was made to evacuate the children off the bus and van, however as they were wading back to dry ground a wall of water, estimated to be as much as half a mile wide, rushed upon the campers,” the weather service said. “Although they tried to reach safety by forming a human chain, the rushing water scattered them.”

First responders in helicopters were able to rescue several people clinging to tree tops.