President Donald Trump announced Sunday that he “signed a Major Disaster Declaration” for relief for Kerr County in Texas, as the region deals with heavy rains and extreme flooding that have killed dozens.
“These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” Trump wrote Sunday on Truth Social. “The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. 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.”
Coast Guard officials and Texas first responders had saved over 850 people from the floodwaters, Trump said.
Trump’s disaster declaration comes as the White House has faced blowback for its cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which Democrats worry are imperiling efforts to prepare for dangerous weather events.
At least 67 people, including at least 59 in Kerr County, have died in the flooding. Camp Mystic, a Christian, all-girls summer camp that sits near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, has captured particular national attention during the weekend’s rescue efforts. Eleven children and one counselor from the camp are still missing, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said in a news conference Sunday.