Many Americans had used the rural area in the southern United States to camp by rivers over the long weekend. The severe flooding that began early Friday morning took many by surprise. The extent of the disaster remains unclear more than 24 hours after the flash floods began. More than 850 people were rescued unharmed, and eight were injured, authorities said.

Trump:"Melania and I pray"

US President Donald Trump posted on the Truth Social platform on Saturday morning: "Melania and I are praying for all the families affected by this terrible tragedy." And: "GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!" According to Trump, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem will be on site soon.

Parents of missing children from summer camp were deeply worried. Local television flashed photos of a missing girl or a family.

Because of US Independence Day on Friday, numerous people were camping near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, authorities said.

"Disastrous flash flood" surprised campers

Heavy rain began in the area early Friday morning. According to authorities, rivers overflowing their banks is not uncommon in the area, which is popular for summer camps. However, the magnitude was unusual. The Guadalupe River rose by almost eight meters in a very short time in the early morning hours, said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. The flood was described as a"disastrous flash flood."

Residents of the area had to flee for their lives, a local resident told CNN, some by boat, some by crossing downed power lines, because all other routes were flooded. Television images showed cars swept away, trees uprooted, and houses flooded.

Bodies found in cars

Some of the bodies were found in cars that had been washed away. According to Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, nine rescue teams with approximately 500 emergency personnel were searching for the missing people. He had previously emphasized that this did not necessarily mean they were lost—they could have climbed trees for safety. The situation was unclear, with no electricity or internet.

Governor Abbott declared a state of emergency for parts of Texas to mobilize additional resources. Residents in the surrounding areas were urged to seek shelter. Centralized shelters were established.