Summary

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Watch: BBC reports from Camp Mystic, where search for missing girls continues

  1. One dead, two missing in Williamson Countypublished at 18:45 British Summer Time 6 July

    One person has died in Williamson County in Texas after flash floods swept through the area, officials in the county confirm.

    Two people are missing, County Judge Steve Snell says during a press conference.

    "Yesterday, first responders conducted a total of 10 rescue missions and were able to save 27 people," he adds.

  2. Search for missing girls continues along the Guadalupe Riverpublished at 18:35 British Summer Time 6 July

    Alex Lederman
    Reporting from Kerr County

    Navigating the roads of Kerr County isn’t easy.

    Camp Mystic is in a remote area of Central Texas, deep into the Hill Country.

    The main route to the summer camp is along the Guadalupe River, whose water level surged more than 25 feet during the flash floods. So we decided to try a route further south, away from the river.

    Turning off the highway onto the dirt road, we felt why evacuating survivors has been such an operation.

    The narrow, bumpy dirt road ran through green fields and countryside, with more farm animals than vehicles.

    Dizzy from the rocky road, we finally came upon an officer from the Sheriff’s Office. He rolled down his window and turned us around.

    “We’re only out here looking for missing girls,” he told us.

    Our colleagues simultaneously tried that main route along the river. They had better luck than us: They made it to Camp Mystic.

    Map of Texas indicating the location of the Guadalupe River starting from Central Texas, the location of Camp Mystic (in red info box) and where San Antonio
  3. Photos show flood damage in Kerr Countypublished at 18:17 British Summer Time 6 July

    We're now seeing more images of the flood damage in areas of Kerr County, which was hit the hardest by the floods.

    Search and rescue personnel have been combing through debris and rubble, looking for survivors.

    Several emergency personnel trying to move vegetation strewn on the ground at Camp Mystic in Kerr CountyImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Emergency personnel comb through debris at Camp Mystic in Kerr County

    A man (L) in short-sleeved, burgundy shirt and jeans walks with another man (R) in long-sleeved, blue shirt and jeans towards what appears to be a river. They are walking among fallen trees as they search for bodies and survivors following flash floodingImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Teams have been deployed across Kerr County to search for survivor as officials say they will keep looking until everyone is accounted for

    An excavator near a giant pile of rubbleImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Search and rescue operations have been ongoing in Kerr County

    A woman walks through wooden debris outside a damaged home, a small toddler in a yellow shirt held in a backpack on her backImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The heavy flooding caused widespread damage to homes and businesses, with families scrambling to salvage some of their belongings

  4. US National Weather Service extends 'flood watch' warningpublished at 17:55 British Summer Time 6 July

    The US National Weather Service (NWS) in Austin has extended its "flood watch" warning for some areas to 19:00 local time (01:00 BST).

    The warning is issued when conditions are favourable for flooding. It means flooding is possible, according to the weather service's website, external.

    The warning covers portions of Hill Country as well as "along and east of I-35 corridor", the NWS says in a Facebook post, external.

    "Additional rainfall amounts of two-four inches are possible with isolated pockets of 10 inches somewhere in the watch area," it says. "It is very difficult to pinpoint where exactly the isolated heavy amounts will occur in this pattern."

  5. At least 68 people killed in Texas flash floods - officialspublished at 17:35 British Summer Time 6 July

    We've been receiving updates on the death toll following flash floods in Texas, as officials expect it will continue to rise.

    At least 68 people have been killed across five counties in the state - here's a full breakdown:

    • 59 people have been killed in Kerr County, 38 adults and 21 children, its Sherriff Larry Leitha has confirmed
    • Four deaths have been confirmed in Travis County, County Judge Andy Brown said
    • Two people were killed in Burnet County, according to an emergency management coordinator for the county
    • Two people have been killed in Kendall County, local officials confirmed in a statement
    • One person has been confirmed dead in Tom Green County, the San Angelo Police Department has confirmed

    Updates are coming in thick and fast as the search and rescue operation for the missing continues in Texas - we'll keep you up to date with the latest developments.

  6. People swept up in 'extraordinary catastrophe', Texas governor sayspublished at 17:15 British Summer Time 6 July

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott answering questions at a presser. He is seated and pointing his left finger as he speaks.Image source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a news conference yesterday that he had signed an extended emergency declaration

    At a news conference in Austin, Texas Governor Greg Abbott says that "so many people have been swept into an extraordinary catastrophe" following the floods.

    He says a meeting with officials has taken place at a local level, and there's a collaborative effort to address concerns "as quickly as possible".

    "We remain in a search and rescue posture right now," he adds.

    "We will stop at nothing to ensure that every asset, and person and plane, and whatever is needed is going to be involved in the process of rescuing every last person," he says.

    Abbott then goes on to sign a disaster declaration.

  7. 'An unimaginable tragedy' - Donald Trumppublished at 16:56 British Summer Time 6 July

    Donald Trump on balcony, speaking into microphone. Melania stood to his right.Image source, Reuters

    We're now hearing from US President Donald Trump who says he has signed a "Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need".

    In a post on social media platform Truth Social he says the families of the dead and missing are "enduring an unimaginable tragedy".

    Trump reiterates that his administration continues to work closely with state and local Leaders.

    He adds that "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," he says, ending the message with: "GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

  8. Why weren't people evacuated ahead of the floods?published at 16:30 British Summer Time 6 July

    As city officials take questions from the press, City Manager Dalton Rice is asked why people weren't evacuated ahead of the flash floods.

    Rice repeats that the focus is on reuniting families.

    "Until we can get them reunited families, we are not going to stop," he says, before walking away and leaving the room.

    While he walks away, press shout numerous questions about whether there were any warnings, with one reporter shouting "there are families who deserve better than that".

    With that, the news conference comes to an end. We'll continue to bring you the latest developments as we get them.

    Media caption,

    Kerrville official dodges question on lack of flood warnings

  9. 'Our goal is to rescue those in peril' - Kerrville mayorpublished at 16:23 British Summer Time 6 July

    Kerrville Mayor Don Herring Junior speaking at a news conferenceImage source, Pool

    Kerrville Mayor Don Herring Junior is up next at the news conference. He says the entire Kerrville city council is on site.

    "Our goal is to rescue those in peril and find those who are lost," he tells the news conference.

    He adds that if you want to donate and help families affected, you can visit

    If you want to donate to help, you can visit the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

    "Our community, our state and the world have been responding," he says, thanking them.

  10. City manager warns people not to fly their own drones in search areapublished at 16:21 British Summer Time 6 July

    City Manager Dalton Rice speaking at a news conferenceImage source, Pool

    City Manager Dalton Rice says everyone in the community is hurting.

    Rice notes that there are an increased number of personnel navigating challenging shores along the bank line to find people.

    He asks people to stop flying personal drones in the area since they are a danger to aircrafts and endanger operations.

  11. Thirty-eight adults and 21 children killed - Kerr County sheriffpublished at 16:17 British Summer Time 6 July
    Breaking

    Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha speaking at a news confrence, wearing a cowboy hatImage source, Pool

    Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha, speaking at a news conference, says among the 59 dead are 38 adults and 21 children.

    He says the numbers will continue to change and increase as time goes on, but the search and rescue operations continue.

    Over 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies are working in Kerr County, he says.

    He says there are 11 Camp Mystic campers unaccounted for, as well as one camp councillor.

  12. Dallas sisters who were visiting grandparents killed in flash floodspublished at 16:04 British Summer Time 6 July

    Sisters Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11, were among the dozens of lives lost in the catastrophic floods.

    The two were not attending Camp Mystic but were in the central Texas visiting a relative. Their deaths were confirmed on Saturday by St. Rita Catholic Community.

    The girls were staying with their grandparents - who remain unaccounted for - along the Guadalupe River, according to the church.

    Their parents were in a separate cabin and were not harmed, the BBC's US partner CBS News, external reported.

    Family portrait of Blair Harber, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11. Both girls are smiling at the camera and wearing head bandsImage source, CBS News / family handout
  13. 'I lost everything I own': Houses flooded with river waterpublished at 15:47 British Summer Time 6 July

    Angélica Casas
    reporting from Kerrville

    Inside of home filled with mud and flood water, debris and personal objects floating on the surfaceImage source, Angélica Casas/BBC

    The floor of Anthony’s apartment in Kerrville is full of mud and debris as we follow him inside.

    His refrigerator is fallen on the floor, his bed has been moved and most of his belongings are not salvageable, except a box holding childhood photos and his baby blanket.

    He leans down to grab a coffee machine pot that’s on the floor filled with river water.

    “I lost everything I own,” he tells us.

    He had been in Houston visiting his mum’s grave when the flooding hit, destroying many of the buildings in his apartment complex and moving one unit completely across a street.

    He woke up Friday to photos of his flooded apartment building on the internet and rushed back to town.

    We first met him leaving a Red Cross shelter where he was able to eat and get assistance on how to contact aid organisations. He says he has no family in the area.

    “Now I’m trying to figure things out.”

    Wide shot of external wall of white wooden bungalow with one panel partially raised as a result of floodingImage source, Angélica Casas/BBC
  14. Deaths recorded in five countiespublished at 15:33 British Summer Time 6 July

    As we've just reported, Lieutenant Governor Dan Partrick says the flash floods death toll has risen to 59 in Kerr County.

    We're still waiting on more information from authorities, but here's what we know so far:

    • 59 of those killed were in Kerr County, its Sherriff Larry Leitha has confirmed
    • At least four deaths have been confirmed in Travis County, according to spokesperson Hector Nieto
    • Two people were killed in Burnet County according to an emergency management coordinator for the county
    • One person has been confirmed dead in Tom Green County, the San Angelo Police Department has confirmed
    • Another person was killed in Kendall County

    Rescue efforts are ongoing and the total number of missing people remains unclear.

    Officials confirmed yesterday, though, that 27 girls who were staying at Camp Mystic have yet to be located.

    Within the next hour we're expecting a news conference from local officials and emergency departments - we'll bring you the key developments right here on this page.

  15. At least 59 dead in flash floods in Texas, governor sayspublished at 15:12 British Summer Time 6 July
    Breaking

    The death toll after flash flooding hit Texas has risen to 59, according to the county's Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, up from 51.

    "We're now up to 59," he tells Fox News this morning. "We expect that to go higher sadly."

  16. The last 24 hours in central Texas, in picturespublished at 15:04 British Summer Time 6 July

    A drone view shows the swollen San Gabriel riverImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    The swollen San Gabriel river, in Georgetown, Texas

    A young girl in tears holds a pillow while on the phone, as others wait nearbyImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    Families were being reunited with campers in the city of Kerrville in Kerr County on Friday night

    A black labrador walking amongst wreckage with an official closely behindImage source, Reuters
    Image caption,

    A search dog operates at Camp Mystic, where 27 young campers are missing

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott speaking at a news conferenceImage source, EPA/Shutterstock
    Image caption,

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed an extended emergency declaration and requested support from the federal government on Friday

  17. US weather service warns of more rain in central Texaspublished at 14:45 British Summer Time 6 July

    A bridge that spans the Guadalupe River with a green sign showing the name of the river. Brown debris and uprooted trees fill the sidewalksImage source, Getty Images

    As we have been reporting, the flash flooding began on Thursday night into Friday morning - the start of the 4 July holiday weekend.

    Officials have said that the equivalent of a months' worth of rain fell in a matter of hours.

    The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that more rain is forecast for the central Texas area and that "excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations".

    "A Flood Watch is in effect," NWS San Antonio / Austin says on X.

  18. Who are the flooding victims?published at 14:26 British Summer Time 6 July

    Renee SmajstrlaImage source, Camp Mystic
    Image caption,

    Renee Smajstrla was confirmed to be among the Camp Mystic victims

    Here are the names of some of the children who were confirmed to have died after flash floods hit Camp Mystic:

    Renee Smajstrla, eight, was at the camp when flooding struck, according to her uncle.

    "Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly," Shawn Salta said on Facebook.

    Sarah Marsh, eight, had been reported missing before her grandmother shared online that she was among the girls killed.

    "We will always feel blessed to have had this beautiful ray of light in our lives. She will live on in our hearts forever!" she said.

    Janie Hunt, nine, had attended the camp with her six of her cousins, who were later confirmed safe by Janie's grandmother.

    Lila Bonner, also nine, was found dead after the flooding.

    "In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time," her family said in a statement to NBC news.

  19. What we know about Camp Mysticpublished at 14:07 British Summer Time 6 July

    Mattresses and rubbish scattered inside a cabin at Camp Mystic full of bunk beds.Image source, Getty Images

    Twenty-seven children remain missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp for girls located along the River Guadalupe.

    What do we know about the camp?

    • It's been operated by generations of the same family since the 1930s
    • The camp’s website bills itself as a place for girls to grow “spiritually” in a “wholesome" Christian atmosphere “to develop outstanding personal qualities and self-esteem”
    • Some of the girls who are reported missing were in low-lying cabins - less than 500 feet from the river bank, according to the New York Times
    Mattresses and rubbish scattered inside a cabin at Camp MysticImage source, Reuters

    What has Camp Mystic said since the floods?

    • In an email to parents of the roughly 750 campers, Camp Mystic said that if they haven't been contacted directly, their child is accounted for
    • The camp said it was assisting with search-and-rescue operations, but that it did not have power, water or Wi-Fi
    • They said that they are struggling to get more help because a nearby highway had washed away, the New York Times says
  20. How key figures have reactedpublished at 13:47 British Summer Time 6 July

    As the search continues for the missing, the president and officials in the US have been reacting to the deadly flash floods in Texas.

    US President Donald Trump has not spoken yet today, but yesterday he said his administration is working with official on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place.

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said that "the number one priority is people" and promised more helicopters to assist with rescue operations.

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott assured worried relatives that his teams will only stop when the job is completed.

    Texas Governor Greg AbbottImage source, EPA
    Image caption,

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott said he had signed an expanded disaster declaration to boost search efforts

    We've also been hearing reaction from key international figures:

    Pope Leo XIV - who was born in America - has posted on social media, expressing his "sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters, who were at the summer camp".

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sent his condolences to Trump, and said he hopes "those who have gone missing, including children from a summer camp, will be returned to safety as soon as possible".

    Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the loss of lives in Texas.

    Pope Leo XIVImage source, Getty Images
    Image caption,

    Pope Leo XIV has expressed his condolences