By Naman Trivedi
The death toll from the catastrophic floods in Central Texas has climbed to 51, with casualties reported across four counties. Kerr County has been hit the hardest, accounting for 43 deaths, followed by Travis County with 4, Burnet County with 3, and Kendall County with 1. Among the victims are at least 15 children, many of whom were attending Camp Mystic on the banks of the Guadalupe River. The flooding was triggered by an unprecedented surge in the Guadalupe River, which rose more than 26 feet (8 meters) in just a few hours before sunrise Friday. The flash floods tore through homes, camps, and roads in Kerr County, as officials reported that several months’ worth of rain fell in under two hours. At least four young girls from Camp Mystic, Renee Smajstrla, Janie Hunt, Sarah Marsh, and Lila Bonner, have been confirmed among the dead, devastating their families and communities. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared Sunday, July 6, as a statewide Day of Prayer to honor the lives lost and support those affected by the tragedy. He noted that over 850 people have been rescued so far, with search and rescue teams continuing operations around the clock. Also read: Georgetown, Texas Floods: San Gabriel River Overflows, Triggers Evacuations In Williamson County | Watch “Recovery efforts are a 24-hour operation,” Abbott said, emphasizing that all state agencies have been directed to prioritize life-saving measures. According to officials, search crews are operating in extremely dangerous conditions, retrieving survivors from trees and other high-ground locations. President Donald Trump confirmed via social media that the Trump administration is actively working with state and local authorities. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the administration will honor the federal disaster declaration signed by Governor Abbott. She also stressed the urgent need for continued federal coordination and support as search efforts intensify. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from US News and around the World.