Trump Signs Disaster Declaration for Texas Floods

President Donald Trump on Sunday approved a "Major Disaster Declaration" for the deadly floods in Texas Hill Country, he announced on Truth Social.

The declaration comes as rescue and recovery operations enter a third day following the devastating floods.

Catastrophic flooding struck central Texas on Friday as the Guadalupe River surged by more than 20 to 26 feet within 90 minutes, causing widespread devastation and forcing mass evacuations in Texas Hill Country.

The deadly floods have taken the lives of 59 people as of Sunday morning, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told FOX & Friends Weekend, with dozens of people still missing, many from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp, along the river. The Associated Press reported around 70 people have been killed, with the estimated number of fatalities expected to increase over the next few days.

The president, after determining the damage and severity of a natural event, can issue a "Major Disaster Declaration," which provides a range of "federal assistance programs for individuals and public infrastructure, including funds for both emergency and permanent work," according to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Trump wrote in a Sunday post on his social media platform, "I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need."

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said during a Sunday morning press conference that 38 adults and 21 children are among the dead.

More than 850 people have been rescued in the last 36 hours, with search crews using helicopters, boats, and drones to locate victims and rescue people stranded in trees and isolated camps.

There are still around a dozen children believed to be missing from Camp Mystic.

"These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders," Trump continued in his post. "Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!"

The president previously issued a Major Disaster Declaration over areas of Texas impacted by severe storms and flooding in March.

What People Are Saying

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said in announcing a declaration on July 5: "Texans are known for their faith, strength, and resilience. Even as floodwaters raged, neighbors rushed in to rescue, comfort, and bring hope. In times of loss, we turn to God for comfort, healing, and strength. I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday—for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines."

Representative Joaquin Castro, a Texas Democrat, told CNN on Sunday: "Obviously the priority is on making sure that those girls are found and are saved —and anybody else who may be missing at this point—and then I think after that, we have to figure out in the future how we make sure that it doesn't happen again."

Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, wrote in an X, formerly Twitter, post on Saturday: "Heidi and I continue to lift up in prayer the families of the victims. It is imperative that all Texans heed the warnings and guidance of law enforcement. Please stay safe."

FEMA Region 6, in Texas, wrote in an X post on Sunday: "Floodwaters carry hidden dangers—contaminants, debris, and power risks. Stay out of flooded areas. Stay alert. Stay safe."

Multiple local, state and federal agencies are continuing to search for survivors among the flood debris.