At least 15 children are among the bodies recovered so far, according to county officials responding to the natural disaster.
KERR COUNTY, Texas — Rescue and recovery efforts continued for a second day after devastating and deadly floods hit Kerr County and other parts of the Hill Country early on the July Fourth holiday.
The death toll continues to rise amid those efforts. County officials said at least 43 bodies have been recovered so far, including 28 adults and 15 children.
Authorities have not officially identified the victims, but we’re starting to learn more about them through loved ones.
Early Friday morning, between the hours of 4 a.m. and 6 a.m., the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet from an intense and slow-moving storm in the Hill Country. The rapid rise of a wall of water hit dozens of summer camps, campgrounds, RV parks and homes along the Guadalupe River.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard are among the entities that have responded to the crisis, amounting to hundreds of personnel and vehicles participating in search efforts. Officials said more than 850 people have been rescued from the flooding, with many grabbing on to trees and waiting hours for rescue.
A local summer camp, Camp Mystic, had more than 750 campers in residence over the Fourth of July holiday. As of Saturday, 27 kids remain missing from the camp, according to local officials.
Kerr County and Kerrville officials say they are working closely with state and federal officials for assistance in the search and rescue operations.
“People need to know today will be a hard day,” Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. said during a Saturday news conference. “Please pray for our community.”
PHOTOS: ‘Catastrophic’ flooding in Kerrville, surrounding Hill Country area
The mayor says if you want to help the easiest way is to follow the City of Kerrville’s Facebook page.
“We will not stop until every single person is found,” Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said. “It’s going to take a while.”
Search and rescue operations are continuously ongoing.
The next news conference is scheduled for 10 a.m. Sunday.
Reunification line
Amidst the catastrophic Fourth of July Flooding, the City of Kerrville Emergency Management has established a reunification intake line for parents of campers who are unaccounted for.
If you do not know where your camper is, call 830-258-1111 and say the name of your missing person and you will be directed to a shelter. For other missing persons, call 830-257-8181.