President Donald Trump said the flooding in Texas and deaths was “terrible” and “shocking” as he pledged federal support.
The Context
At least 24 people were dead and many missing after torrential rains unleashed flash floods along the Guadalupe River in Texas on Friday.
Among the missing are at least 23 girls from an all-girls summer camp located on the banks of the river.
What To Know
Asked about the floods while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One as he headed to his New Jersey golf club, Trump said: “It’s terrible. The floods? It’s shocking.
“They don’t know the answer yet as to how many people, but it looks like some young people have died.”
Asked if the government would be sending federal aid, the president said: “Oh yeah, we’ll take care of them. We’re working with the governor. We’re working with the governor. It’s a terrible thing.”
At a news conference on Friday evening, Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who is acting governor since Texas Governor Greg Abbott is traveling out of state, said he had received multiple calls from the White House.
“I’ve talked to several people at the White House,” Patrick said. “The president sent the message, ‘Whatever we need, we will have.’”
Patrick said there were 400 to 500 people on the ground helping in the response. He added that 14 helicopters and 12 drones were also being used.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said on Friday night that 237 people had been rescued so far.
What People Are Saying
Patrick said during a news conference on Friday night: “I’m asking the people of Texas, do some serious praying this afternoon—on your knees kind of praying—that we find these young girls and that they’re only unaccounted for because they’re somewhere that we don’t know yet but that they’re alive and safe.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the U.S. Coast Guard “is punching through storms to evacuate Americans from central Texas.
“We will fly throughout the night and as long as possible. This is what the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard do.”
What Happens Next
Rescue operations remain underway.
Reunification centers have been set up at Ingram Elementary School in Ingram and at The Arcadia Live theater in Kerrville.
The Red Cross is assisting with reunification, and anyone who is missing a loved one is asked to call 800-733-2767.
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