Abbott reaffirms commitment to find everyone missing in floods

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Gov. Greg Abbott renewed his commitment to find every missing person after this weekend’s catastrophic flooding.

At least 104 individuals were killed in the devastating flash flooding, with several people reported missing as of Monday evening. Abbott, who toured Kerr County over the weekend to survey the flooding damage, said in a Monday evening statement that state officials are still working to locate those reported missing. 

“The State of Texas is working around the clock to support emergency management personnel and local officials as they continue recovery and rescue operations across the state,” Abbott said in the press release. “Texas will remain engaged until every missing person is found and every Texan recovers from this disaster.”

Ten children were still missing after the flood waters reached their cabins at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian camp located on the banks of the Guadalupe River. After visiting the campground on Saturday, Abbott vowed that officials will work until every girl is found. 

According to the Monday release, Texas has deployed more than 1,750 personnel and nearly 1,000 vehicles to help in rescue and recovery efforts. Volunteers from across the state have answered the call, with many heading directly to impacted cities to help in any way they can. 

As the governor continued to mobilize the state’s resources in rescue and recovery missions, the federal government said it was also working to support Texans. President Donald Trump announced this morning that he will visit Texas on Friday, after he signed a disaster declaration for the region last week. 

Abbott noted that threats of heavy rain continue to pose flash-flooding risks in Central Texas and the Hill Country, as well as the Big Country and Concho Valley regions. He cautioned Texans to remain vigilant and heed the guidance of local officials.