Texas flooding kills more than 100 as search continues for dozens of people

Click here to follow the latest updates on the central Texas flooding.

The Houston Astros organization pledged $1 million to aid with relief efforts.

"The Houston Astros organization announces they are committing $1 million to support relief efforts for those impacted by the devastating flooding in Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend," the announcement noted.

"The Astros will support immediate relief efforts and needs of our neighbors in Central Texas in the short term, along with supporting long-term efforts around one of the core pillars of the Astros Foundation - youth initiatives. Beyond the initial investment, the Astros Foundation will launch a fan-based initiative to mobilize our passionate fan base. Together, we will provide resources to ensure our Central Texas neighbors have the sustained support they need to rebuild and recover."

GOP Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, posted three heart emojis when he shared a post about the announcement.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry said Monday that his state sent a team to Texas to support search efforts amid the devastating flooding in the Lone Star State.

"This Louisiana crew is off to Texas to assist with search efforts after the tragic flood," Landry wrote on X, accompanied by a picture of the team sent to Texas.

"There are 14 Louisiana Swift Water Rescue personnel total with equipment. GOHSEP remains in contact with Texas to see how else Louisiana can support," he continued, referring to the Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness.

The governor added: "Please continue to pray for all those affected and our great neighbors in Texas."

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis said Monday that his state is prepared to provide any resources to assist Texas with search and recovery, as the Lone Star State responds to the devastating flooding.

"Coloradans will always step up to help our neighbors," Polis said in a statement posted on X. "We are sending love and support to Texans during this devastating and difficult time. Our state is ready and willing to provide any resources to assist Texas with search and recovery.

"Colorado has faced natural disasters, floods, and wildfires, and we send our deepest sympathies to the families and individuals who have lost loved ones and had their lives impacted," the governor continued.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel is praying for Texas as it faces devastating flooding, noting that "Israel knows disaster," such as war and flooding.

"My wife Sara and I and all of Israel are praying for the Great State of Texas," the prime minister wrote on X.

"Israel knows disaster—we’ve lived through war, fire, and flood. Dear friends, we stand with you!" he continued.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs said Monday that the loss of life in the devastating floods in Texas is "tragic and deeply painful," emphasizing that Arizona stands with the impacted communities.

"My heart is with the people of Texas," Hobbs said in a statement posted on X. "The loss of lives, including so many children, in devastating floods is tragic and deeply painful."

"Arizona stands with all who are mourning and the communities affected by this disaster," the governor continued.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom said his state is deploying urban search and rescue teams to Texas to support communities impacted by the devastating flooding in the Lone Star State.

"California is deploying skilled Urban Search and Rescue Team members to support those facing the devastating floods in Texas," Newsom wrote on X.

"We grieve for the Texans who've lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods," he continued.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said on Monday that he is praying for the people impacted by the flooding in Texas and thanked first responders for their "tireless service" in responding to the communities in need of their assistance.

"My heart goes out to the families and communities impacted by this devastating loss," Wright wrote on X.

"Liz and I pray for Texas as rescue and recovery efforts continue for those still missing, and we thank our first responders for their tireless service in our nation’s time of need," he continued.

A pair of Kerrville restaurant owners are supporting first responders with home-cooked meals as they work through flood debris, while helping staff who lost everything in the Texas disaster.

"On the day that it happened, we just started," Crystal Smith, who owns Billy Gene’s with her husband, told Fox News Digital. "We knew they were coming out, we knew they're going to be working 24/7, so that's the way that we can help the community."

Smith praised the men and women arriving in the area "to help our little slice of heaven" after a devastating flood swept through the area over the weekend.

"Everyone is very appreciative that it comes in, they want a home-cooked meal. People have been giving us hugs that have come in and gotten a meal saying ‘thank you.’ And we're really the ones to be thankful, we're thankful for them," she said.

While Billy Gene's was not damaged in the flood, a staff member lost everything. She said Billy Gene’s is providing the employee and her husband with a place to stay and covering their food costs.

This is an excerpt from story by Fox News’ Rachel Wolf

Severe flooding in Texas Hill Country prompted major rescue operations with game wardens evacuating hundreds including children from Camp Mystic using boats and aircraft.

Video from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Texas Wardens show first responders in action and working tirelessly to rescue those stuck in the devastating floods.

“Over the past two days, Texas Game Wardens have rescued 302 people–numerous airlifted, including children from Camp Mystic–and evacuated four animals to safety,” the agency shared in a video showing the rescue.

The agency said there were over 150 wardens in the field responding to calls and supporting search and rescue efforts over the past two days.

"In the face of this devastating tragedy, Texas Game Wardens have poured in from across the state and we’re proud to stand beside our local, state and federal partners in this unified effort to make sure we’re doing everything we can to serve our fellow Texans," said Col. Ron VanderRoest, Texas Parks and Wildlife law enforcement director.

"This has been a heartbreaking few days, but through the devastation, I’ve seen the spirit of our communities and strength of our wardens, who are trained for moments like this. We’ll continue to work diligently and remain available and actively engaged for as long as we’re needed.”

A Texas father confirmed his twin daughters were among the victims of the Camp Mystic flash flood tragedy.

John Lawrence told Fox News that his 8-year-old twins Hannah and Rebecca Lawrence died in flash flooding at the camp.

“Hannah and Rebecca brought so much joy to us, to their big sister Harper, and to so many others. We will find ways to keep that joy, and to continue to spread it for them,” the statement read. “But we are devastated that the bond we shared with them, and that they shared with each other, is now frozen in time. Thank you for the love and support.”

Fox News' Brooke Taylor contributed to this report.

An emergency services expert and former FEMA external affairs officer explained the emotional toll the deadly Texas floods are taking on first responders.

“The emotional toll is heavy. Many of the responders are local. They’ve pulled neighbors from rooftops, searched washed-out creek beds for loved ones, and worked shifts that stretch into days. They carry the burden of being both rescuers and witnesses to loss,” Jason Pack told Fox News Digital.

Pack, a first responder and retired FBI special agent, said that behind the scenes, another mission is also unfolding.

“While the focus remains on saving lives, the Texas Division of Emergency Management and local emergency managers are already working to support recovery. They are documenting damage, estimating costs, and following a detailed process that could expand federal aid to more Texas communities,” Pack said.

“There is a lot of grief in Texas right now. And for some, that grief has turned into frustration. People are looking for answers. They want to know who should be held accountable, what could have been done differently, and how to make sure this doesn't happen again. That is a fair and necessary part of disaster response,” Pack continued.

However, Pack added that every major disaster in recent history has sparked the same hard questions.

“So far, FEMA’s response to Disaster 4879 reflects that progress. The structure is in place. The process is moving. Federal teams are embedded with state and local officials. They are working side by side to assess damage, support rescue efforts, and get help to those who need it,” Pack shared about improvements made since disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

“None of this brings back the lives lost. But it does show that the system is learning, adapting, and moving forward.”

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office shared a devastating update Monday afternoon, stating that 84 deceased have been recovered in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children.

Officials said identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children.

Now the number of dead has reached 104.

“At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a statement on the department Facebook page.

“We share our deepest condolences with all affected by this tragedy.”

Authorities are also asking private boat owners to “stay off the Guadalupe River and its tributaries at this time to allow search and rescue teams to operate without interference.”

Officials said hundreds of local, regional, state, and federal agencies are working tirelessly to find all the missing people in Kerr County.

City officials warned drone operators to ground aircraft during flood rescue operations after an illegal flight caused a helicopter collision and emergency landing in Kerr County restricted airspace.

“PLEASE GROUND YOUR DRONES UNTIL CURRENT FLOOD SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS ARE COMPLETE,” the city of Kerrville wrote in a warning on Facebook.

“This afternoon, a private drone illegally operating in restricted airspace collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations in Kerr County,” the statement read.

The city said that the helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and that a “critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice.”

“This was entirely preventable,” the city said.

“When you fly a drone in restricted areas, you’re not just breaking the law -- you’re putting first responders, emergency crews, and the public at serious risk.”

A devastated mother recalled the last time she talked to her daughter before she went missing in the deadly Texas floods.

During an interview on “The Will Cain Show,” Tanya Powell, mother to 21-year-old Ella Cahill, described the last call she received from her daughter.

Powell said that her daughter was with her boyfriend at his home with other friends when flood waters swept the home away.

“That's the last we've heard from them and the entire house is gone. It's just a slab left,” Powell said through tears.

Powell said the bodies of two of the other kids who were at the house had been found and that they are just trying to recover Ella and her boyfriend, who were high school sweethearts.

“This just doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but I guess I'm not supposed to understand everything,” Powell said.

Keli Rabon said she was a "mom on a mission" when she found out her two sons were impacted by deadly flooding in Texas.

Rabon told Martha MacCallum on "The Story" that her sons, ages 9 and 7, were staying at a camp near Camp Mystic that also flooded. 

She rushed from Houston to reach them, and credits the heroic actions of camp staff for saving her children.

"As the water started to come in, his brave camp counselors, who are really just kids themselves - college kids - they encouraged the boys to get on the first bunk, then to get on the second bunk," she said. "Then, before you know it, they were lifting the little boys up into the rafters to keep them out of harm's way."

She said both of her sons were safely evacuated. Listen to her entire interview above.

A beloved teacher and his wife. Two young sisters visiting their grandparents. Several girls from a riverside summer camp and their dedicated camp director. These are just a few of the many lives lost after powerful floodwaters surged through Central Texas on Friday.

The flooding was triggered by torrential rainfall that swelled the Guadalupe River, leading to rapid and destructive flash floods.

As of Monday morning, the confirmed death toll had risen to 82, with dozens still unaccounted for. As the waters receded, the stories of those lost began to emerge.

Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, revealed that one of the victims in the tragic Texas floods was a member of their family, 9-year-old Janie Hunt.

"Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives – including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend’s little girls," Tavia Hunt wrote in an Instagram post.

Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

This is an excerpt from story by Fox News’ Stephen Sorace and Brooke Taylor

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt blasted Democrats and members of the media who have sought to blame President Donald Trump for the death toll from the flash flooding in Texas on Monday.

Leavitt called out Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., in particular, accusing him of spreading "falsehoods." She then gave a timeline of warnings issued by the National Weather Service in the days and hours before the deadly flooding, which claimed the lives of at least 91 people, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

"We have seen many falsehoods pushed by Democrats such as Senator Chuck Schumer and some members of the media. Blaming President Trump for these floods is a depraved lie, and it serves no purpose during this time of national mourning," Leavitt said.

"Here are the facts. In the lead-up to this tragic national disaster, the National Weather Service did its job. Despite unprecedented rainfall, the NWS executed timely and precise forecasts and warnings," she added, highlighting a flood watch and press briefings conducted by the NWS in the region on July 3rd."Flash flood warnings were also issued on the night if July 3rd and the morning of July 4th, giving preliminary lead time of more than three hours before flash flood conditions occurred," she added.

This is an excerpt from story by Fox News’ Anders Hagstrom

Mercy Chefs founder Gary LeBlanc told Fox News Digital that his volunteers dropped their Fourth of July plans to start serving meals to first responders in central Texas following the deadly flooding there. 

“We were like everybody else, we were on our Fourth of July vacation with families and friends and we heard the news of what had happened. So our team left their plans, they left their barbecues. They started loading the mobile kitchens and loading trucks and making flight arrangements,” LeBlanc said. 

“We started out with first meals literally within 36 hours of the floods, feeding first responders and search and rescue teams,” he told Fox News Digital. 

“It’s been really hard, we see some of them come in, they’ll take a couple of bites and they just put their head down in their hands. You say ‘how are you?’ So many of them have seen things that they can never unsee now,” LeBlanc added. 

Mercy Chefs describes itself as a “faith-based, non-profit disaster and humanitarian relief organization.” 

Fox News Digital's Rachel Wolf contributed to this report.