A desperate search for at least 10 girls missing in deadly Texas floods is continuing as the death toll rose to at least 82.
The group of girls and one councillor are still missing from Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County.
At Camp Mystic, at least 27 people died, the camp confirmed in a statement to NBC News, as it works with local and state officials to try and locate at least 41 people who remain missing.
“This tragedy has devastated us and our entire community. Our hearts are broken alongside the families that are enduring this tragedy, and we share their hope and prayers,” Camp Mystic added.
The camp thanked the local community, as well as first responders and officials for “the outpouring of support”, and asked for continued prayers as searches continue.
Rescue crews have already saved hundreds of people and would work around the clock to find those still unaccounted for, Texas governor Gregg Abbott pledged.
Meanwhile, police are collecting DNA from family members to identify those who have died in the floods.
Renee Smajstrla, Eloise Peck, Janie Hunt and Lila Bonner are among those confirmed to have died.
In nearby Kendall County, two people have died, while at least six people have been killed in Travis County and four people have died in Burnet County. In both Williamson and Tom Green counties, at least one person has died.
RJ Harber, the father of 12-year-old Blair and 11-year-old Brooke, confirmed his daughters had died in the floods on Saturday.
Paying tribute, he told CNN that Blair was a “gifted student and had a generous kind heart,” while Brooke was “like a light in any room”.
The director of Camp Mystic, Dick Eastland, was also among those killed in the floods. He died trying to save the girls from the flash floods, according to local media reports.
Girls camp director Jane Ragsdale, who was the “heart and soul” of Heart O’ the Hills was also killed in the floods.
The camp said in a statement that it was “stunned and deeply saddened by Jane’s death”.
She “embodied the spirit of Heart O’ the Hills and was the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer ” the camp said.
The flash flooding struck on Friday after torrential rain caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks at around 4am local time.
US President Donald Trump signed a “major disaster declaration” for Kerr County to ensure that rescuers get the resources they need.
He told reporters hopes to visit Texas “probably on Friday” as he wants to “leave a little time” for rescue workers to continue with their operations.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who visited the state on Saturday, thanked the president for signing the disaster declaration which offered federal assistance to the state.
“We are currently deploying federal emergency management resources to Texas first responders, and will work closely with state and local authorities to ensure the people of Texas get the support they need as search efforts continue and recovery begins,” Noem said on Sunday evening.
“Pray for the victims, the families, and our first responders. God bless Texas.”
Former President Barack Obama called the disaster “heartbreaking” in a statement shared on social media on Sunday.
“The flash flooding in Central Texas is absolutely heartbreaking. Michelle and I are praying for everyone who has lost a loved one or is waiting for news — especially the parents. And we’re grateful to the first responders and rescue teams working around the clock to help,” the statement read.
