Trump Responds to Texas Flooding Disaster as Death Toll Rises, Rescue Efforts Continue

KERR COUNTY, TEXAS — President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration is actively coordinating with state and local authorities in Texas following a devastating flood that has claimed the lives of at least 80 individuals, with dozens still missing.

In a statement posted to Truth Social, Trump expressed his condolences and support for the victims and praised emergency personnel for their ongoing rescue efforts.

“The Trump Administration is working with State and Local Officials on the ground in Texas in response to the tragic flooding that took place yesterday. Our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, will be there shortly. Melania and I are praying for all of the families impacted by this horrible tragedy. Our Brave First Responders are on site doing what they do best. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS,” Trump posted.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is reportedly en route to Texas to offer in-person support and assess the damage firsthand. Her visit aims to strengthen the federal government’s response to one of the most severe natural disasters the state has faced in recent years.

The unprecedented flash flooding has led to widespread devastation, especially in Kerr County, where the local sheriff’s department confirmed 68 fatalities as of Sunday afternoon. Among the deceased are 40 adults and 28 children. Authorities noted that 28 victims remain unidentified, including 10 children.

The sheriff’s office reported that 10 children and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving hundreds of first responders and specialized teams.

“We continue to have hundreds of officers, deputies, and support staff working every aspect of this emergency, along with air, water, K9, and other assets conducting search and rescue,” the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office shared in a public update.

First Lady Melania Trump also addressed the tragedy, posting a message of support on X (formerly Twitter).

“My heart goes out to the parents in Texas during this difficult time. I am holding you in my thoughts and sending prayers for strength, comfort, and resilience,” she wrote.

President Trump announced plans to visit Texas later in the week to witness the damage and meet with affected families and rescue teams.

“Probably on Friday. We wanted to leave a little time. I would have done it today, but we’d just be in their way. Probably Friday,” Trump said in response to a reporter’s question about his travel plans.

One story of heroism has emerged from the chaos. Petty Officer 3rd Class Scott Ruskan, a 26-year-old U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer from New Jersey, is being recognized for his courageous actions during the height of the flooding.

Ruskan reportedly helped evacuate over 200 people, including 165 individuals from a single triage site, during his very first rescue mission. He was praised by Homeland Security Secretary Noem, who highlighted his bravery on social media.

“United States Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer and Petty Officer Scott Ruskan directly saved an astonishing 165 victims in the devastating flooding in Central Texas. This was the first rescue mission of his career and he was the only triage coordinator at the scene. Scott Ruskan is an American hero,” Noem wrote.

Speaking on Fox and Friends, Ruskan recounted how he and his team spotted a large group of children at Camp Mystic while flying overhead. The group, which included about 200 campers, became the team’s top priority.

“Yeah, as far as right now, we’ve been getting our tasks from higher above, mostly from the Army. But a lot of it has just been large state triages, so we were at Mystic yesterday for a long period of time. We probably got about 200 people out of there alone. We just saw a huge crowd—about 200 kids at a campsite—and we said, ‘cool, that’s where we’re gonna go,’ and we just got as many people out as we could,” Ruskan explained.

With floodwaters beginning to recede in some areas, emergency services continue their intensive efforts to locate the missing and provide aid to survivors. State and federal officials warn that the danger is not yet over, as more rain is in the forecast and river levels remain high.

In the meantime, local shelters have opened their doors to displaced families, and donations of food, clothing, and medical supplies are being organized by relief groups and community volunteers.

As the state continues to grapple with the aftermath of this disaster, Texans are leaning on each other—and the nation—for support, recovery, and hope.