Trump Authorizes Disaster Relief for Kerr County,

As most Americans ready to rejoice Independence Day on Friday, a horrific tragedy was unfolding in the Texas Hill Country. Remnants of Tropical Storm Barry converged with a moisture trough over central Texas and shaped a slow-moving system that dropped billions of gallons of rain over the world, inflicting the Guadalupe River (and different tributaries) to flood, rising 26 toes in just 45 minutes. 

Numerous campgrounds along the river’s banks washed away, as did many properties. The present death toll stands at 51, and 27 women from Camp Mystic stay unaccounted for. It’s a scene of heartbreaking devastation, reminiscent in some respects of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in western North Carolina and japanese Tennessee final fall. 

On Sunday morning, as search and rescue efforts proceed, President Donald Trump introduced that he has signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County.

pic.twitter.com/T1NtzlKPeb

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025

I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to guarantee that our Brave First Responders immediately have the sources they need. These households are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives misplaced, and many still lacking. The Trump Administration continues to work intently with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working exhausting to help the people of his Great State. Our unbelievable U.S. Coast Guard, collectively with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) describes the impact of a Major Disaster Declaration thusly:

Major Disaster Declarations

The President can declare a main catastrophe for any natural occasion, including any hurricane, twister, storm, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought, or, regardless of trigger, fire, flood, or explosion, that the President determines has induced harm of such severity that it’s past the mixed capabilities of state and native governments to reply.  A serious catastrophe declaration supplies a big selection of federal help packages for people and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and everlasting work.

RELATED: Search and Rescue Efforts Continue to Recover 20 Missing Girls, Others in TX Flood; Trump, Vance Respond

Tragedy Unfolding in TX: 13 Dead, 23 Girls Missing From Summer Camp Deluged by Flooding

On Saturday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott labored alongside Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, noting that a whole bunch of Texans had been rescued thus far. 

Governor @GregAbbott_TX, @Sec_Noem, & a host of different officers briefed the public on search & rescue efforts in Kerrville.

So far, over 800 Texans have been saved.

Further updates can be supplied right here: https://t.co/HqwVTIyBjF pic.twitter.com/hYBk4yMGC9

— Governor Abbott Press Office (@GovAbbottPress) July 5, 2025

The governor declared Sunday, July 6, a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods.

Declared this Sunday, July sixth, as a Day of Prayer in Texas in response to the floods in the Hill Country.

I invite Texans to be a part of me in prayer for the communities affected by this catastrophe. pic.twitter.com/vHWt1CQPzW

— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 6, 2025

Update – 11:55 AM Eastern:

Just as this article was revealed, studies point out that the Kerr County Sheriff has now up to date the death toll to 59, including 21 youngsters, and indicated that 11 campers and one counselor still stay lacking. 

Kerr County sheriff: 59 killed, including 21 youngsters; 11 campers and a counselor still lacking in Texas Hill Country floods

— Lucas Tomlinson (@LucasFoxNews) July 6, 2025