Trump surveys Texas flood damage as search for the missing continues

[ad_1] Washington — President Trump and first woman Melania Trump are in Central Texas on Friday to survey the devastation wrought by final week's lethal flooding , as first responders and relations proceed their seek for the lacking.

The Trumps are talking with native officers and first responders in Kerrville, Texas, because the demise toll within the state stands at 121, in accordance with native legislation enforcement and Gov. Greg Abbott. The Trumps, together with Abbott, met first responders in opposition to the backdrop of a Kerrville firetruck and a pile of felled timber.

First woman Melania Trump, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and President Trump are briefed as they observe flood injury in Kerrville, Texas, Friday, July 11, 2025. Jacquelyn Martin / AP

Greater than 170 persons are nonetheless lacking after flash floods consumed the area within the early morning of July 4. Drones, rescue groups and volunteers are combing via particles, hoping to search out solutions for the households of the lacking. Nearly all of the confirmed deaths passed off in Kerr County, the place the Trumps are visiting.

At Camp Mystic, a ladies' summer season camp with cabins alongside the river in a rural a part of Kerr County close to Hunt, no less than 27 campers and counselors died in what the camp described as "catastrophic flooding." Some survivors mentioned they woke as much as water dashing via the home windows.

The president landed in San Antonio on Air Pressure One earlier than a brief helicopter experience introduced him and the primary woman to Kerrville.

The Trumps are anticipated to take part in a roundtable with officers and rescue staff. Mr. Trump advised reporters they will meet a number of the households as nicely. The primary couple is scheduled to spend about three hours in Texas earlier than leaving for Bedminster, New Jersey.

President Trump gestures alongside first woman Melania Trump as they arrive on Air Pressure One at Kelly Area air base in San Antonio en route to watch flood injury in Kerrville, Texas, on Friday, July 11, 2025. Jacquelyn Martin / AP

"It is a horrible factor, a horrible factor," the president advised reporters Friday earlier than leaving the White Home. "No one may even consider it. That a lot water, that quick."

Mr. Trump has to this point prevented assigning blame for the deaths, saying on Sunday, "I might simply say it is a hundred-year disaster, and it is simply so horrible to observe."

The president mentioned he would have visited Central Texas sooner however did not need to be "of their means" as rescuers proceed their work. Mr. Trump has signed a catastrophe declaration for the area, permitting the Federal Emergency Administration Company to deploy its personal groups to assist native rescue and restoration efforts as these operations press on.

After the catastrophic flooding, the primary woman wrote on X, "My coronary heart goes out to the mother and father in Texas throughout this tough time. I'm holding you in my ideas and sending prayers for power, consolation, and resilience."