At least 78 dead and dozens missing in Texas floods as more rain looms

At least 68 people, including 28 children, have been confirmed dead in Kerr County, Texas, following catastrophic flash flooding over the weekend, officials say.

Authorities have warned that the death toll is expected to rise as search efforts continue. Across the state, additional 10 fatalities have been reported in flood-related incidents and 41 people are known to be missing.

Forecasts of continued heavy rain and thunderstorms are raising concerns, as rising water levels could further hamper search and rescue efforts.

Forty-eight hours after the deluge, hope is fading among locals. What began as a rescue mission is now shifting towards a recovery operation, officials said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott said on Sunday that authorities will "stop at nothing" to ensure that every missing person is found. "Our prayers are with the families, and our mission is far from over."

A major focus of the search has been Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp for girls perched on the banks of the Guadalupe River, which suffered significant damage.

Several young campers and the camp's longtime director, Richard "Dick" Eastland, have been identified among the dead.

Officials confirmed on Sunday that ten campers and one counsellor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for.

Complicating search efforts is uncertainty about how many people were visiting the area for the 4 July weekend - and how many may have been caught in the floods.

President Donald Trump vowed continued federal support for Texas and said he will "probably" visit the state on Friday.

"We're working very closely with representatives from Texas, and it's a horrible thing that took place, absolutely horrible," Trump said on Sunday as he departed New Jersey after a weekend at his golf club there.

"So we say, God bless all of the people that have gone through so much, and God bless, God bless the state of Texas," Trump said.

Earlier, the president signed a disaster declaration for Kerr County "to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need".

On the ground, local residents are stepping up to support relief efforts - collecting supplies, offering shelter, and doing what they can to help neighbours displaced by the storm.

Local resident Perla started collecting clothes and shoes on Friday after she finished her shift at Walmart. She dropped them off at a shelter the next morning.

"We try to help as much as we can," Perla told the BBC. "I've never seen something like this before."

Perla's brothers work for the fire department and are part of the search and rescue effort.

Meanwhile, in Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered special prayers and condolences for the families who have lost loved ones.

"I would like to express sincere condolences to all the families who have lost loved ones, in particular their daughters who were in summer camp, in the disaster caused by the flooding of the Guadalupe River in Texas in the United States," he said. "We pray for them."

Source: BBC