Texas Flood Tragedy: Death Toll Hits 43, Dozens Missing as Rescue Efforts Intensify

At least 43 people, including 15 children, have died in catastrophic flooding that ravaged parts of Texas on Friday, officials confirmed Saturday night. Rescue teams are still searching for more than two dozen missing individuals as the region grapples with the aftermath of the disaster.  

Among the victims was Jane Ragsdale, longtime director of the Heart O’ the Hills summer camp, located northwest of San Antonio. Reports indicate she was on-site when the floodwaters surged.  

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice revealed at a press briefing that 27 girls from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for, with fears that the number of missing could rise. Emergency crews are working around the clock to locate campers, tourists, and residents stranded by the rapidly rising waters.  

The disaster unfolded after torrential rains—dumping up to 15 inches in some areas—swelled the Guadalupe River, about 85 miles northwest of San Antonio. Over 850 people have been rescued so far, including some found clinging to trees for survival.  

President Donald Trump called the floods "terrible and shocking," pledging full federal support. First Lady Melania Trump expressed condolences, saying her "heart goes out to Texas families."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency, labeling the floods an "extraordinary catastrophe" and mobilizing all available resources for recovery efforts.