Camp Mystic deadly flood updates: Emergency crews search for survivors

Thirteen people have died and 20 children are missing in flooding that has devastated Kerr County along the Guadalupe River. Among those missing are girls who were attending Camp Mystic in the Hill Country. Rescue crews have been deployed to the area. Here's the latest:

Texas elected officials respond

Texas elected officials took to social media to express condolences to those affected by the Hill Country flooding and to warn people to stay away from the rain-swollen Guadalupe River.

"I am heartbroken to learn that several people have tragically lost their lives in the flash floods that struck Kerr County," U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a San Antonio Democrat, wrote on X. "I urge everyone to use caution, get to higher ground, and stay safe."

"Tragic loss of life in the hill country from historic flooding along the Guadalupe River," Republican U.S. Sen. John Cornyn said in a social media post. "My staff have been in touch with local officials & emergency responders and are working to make sure all resources needed are made available."

"Heidi and I are lifting up the victims of the central Texas floods in our prayers," said U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, also a Republican. "Listen to the warnings and instructions of local law enforcement."

Canyon Lake dam

Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said Friday said he has asked the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the integrity of the Canyon Lake dam in light of heavy rains that have caused devastating flooding along the Guadalupe River.

Patrick said Corps officials told him the dam was safe. He added that he asked them to make sure, noting that further rain is forecast in San Antonio and Austin.

The man-made lake is in Comal County, 36 miles northeast of San Antonio. It was created by the damming of the Guadalupe to control flooding. Construction of the dam began in 1958 and was finished in 1964. It took four more years to fill the reservoir.

Texas Hill Country weather outlook

The heavy rain that caused the flood has diminished into a slow drizzle. Flash flood warnings across the Hill Country — including Kerr, Bandera, Kendall and Comal counties — are set to expire at 7 p.m. Friday.

Rain chances will continue to decrease Friday evening, and skies are expected to be mostly dry overnight; the Kerrville area is forecast to see a 20% chance of rain between 8 p.m. Friday and 6 a.m. Saturday.

Camp Mystic

In an afternoon news briefing, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick said about 23 children who were attending Camp Mystic, a local Christian summer camp, are still missing.

"We’re praying for them to be found," Patrick said.

He said state game wardens were searching the flood zone on foot, looking for survivors. Patrick said the Texas Division of Emergency Management and other agencies had deployed 14 helicopters, 12 drones and 9 rescue teams — 400 to 500 personnel in all — to assist with recovery operations in the Hill Country.

Gov. Abbott says Texas to deploy 'all necessary resources'

Gov. Greg Abbott said the state has mobilized "all necessary resources" to parts of the Texas Hill Country hit with "devastating" and deadly flooding Friday.

Abbott said the state activated its emergency response resources in advance of the heavy rainfall and flash flooding threats, and it has since mobilized additional resources, according to a media release.

"The state of Texas is surging all available resources to respond to the devastating flooding around the Kerr county area," Abbott posted on X.

"That includes water rescue teams, sheltering centers, the National Guard, the Texas Department of Public Safety.

"The immediate priority is saving lives."