News Summary
In the aftermath of devastating floods in Central Texas, President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited Kerr County to assess the damage. With over 129 confirmed deaths statewide, the flooding has deeply impacted families, especially in Kerr County where 103 fatalities were reported. The President signed a Major Disaster Declaration to facilitate federal aid and praised local emergency response efforts. The community has raised over $30 million for relief efforts, while officials work to improve disaster readiness for the future.
Kerr County, Texas – A week after historic flooding ravaged Central Texas, President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump toured the affected areas, assessing the destruction firsthand. The flooding has resulted in at least 129 confirmed deaths across the state, and more than 170 individuals are still unaccounted for. In Kerr County alone, a staggering 103 fatalities have been confirmed, including 36 children, while 161 people remain missing.
During their visit on July 11, 2025, President Trump characterized the flood damage as “unprecedented,” noting the Guadalupe River’s transformation from “a little narrow river” to “a monster” during the disaster. The couple met with local officials, first responders, and bereaved families, offering condolences and support in the wake of the tragedy.
Earlier in the week, Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, which allows for federal assistance to flow into the area. The administration has acted quickly to allocate emergency funds to help victims and facilitate relief efforts. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem commended the response from the Coast Guard and Border Patrol, emphasizing the deployment of over 700 FEMA employees and volunteers to aid recovery operations.
Alongside Kerr County’s devastation, neighboring Travis County has reported nine deaths and four missing individuals. In response, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that five additional counties qualify for disaster unemployment assistance. He has also committed to improving alert systems to help prevent similar disasters from occurring in the future.
TEXAS EMERGENCY RESPONSE EFFORTS
The Texas Emergency Management Chief expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, indicating that “hearts are broken” in light of the calamity. Efforts to support those affected include the establishment of a statewide crisis support line offering free counseling services for survivors and their families.
In light of this disaster, the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund has successfully raised over $30 million for ongoing recovery efforts. The community is encouraged to contribute through donations to support the victims of the floods, and numerous organizations and local businesses are stepping in to lend their assistance.
Reports indicate that multiple counties, including Bakersfield, Travis, and Williamson, have recorded confirmed deaths ranging from one to eight individuals. As localities continue to assess the impact of the flooding, the focus remains on recovery, rebuilding, and ensuring that those affected have the necessary support to move forward.
Air Force One was utilized to transport President Trump and the First Lady to Texas for their tour. The visit was marked by a tone of empathy and urgency, as officials recognized the scale of the catastrophe and the need for immediate and long-term aid.
With the loss of lives continuing to rise and many families still searching for their loved ones, leaders at various levels are working to respond effectively to the disaster. The road to recovery will be long, but local and federal efforts are mobilizing to provide assistance to those in dire need.
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Additional Resources
- Washington Post: Texas Flooding Alerts
- Wikipedia: Kerr County, Texas
- NBC News: Texas Floods Questions
- Google Search: Texas floods
- ABC News: Kerr County Officials
- Google Scholar: Texas flooding
- The New York Times: Texas Flood Alarm System
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas floods
- CNN: Kerr Country Officials Response
- Google News: Kerr County flooding
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