President Donald Trump expressed shock and sorrow over the deadly floods that ravaged parts of Texas, calling the event “terrible” and “shocking.” Speaking from Air Force One, Trump confirmed that the federal government was coordinating with local and state authorities to aid recovery efforts. He also shared condolences on social media, noting that Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem would visit Texas soon. “God bless the families, and God bless Texas,” he wrote on Truth Social.

The floods struck the Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, causing massive destruction and claiming at least 43 lives, according to Fox News. Among the worst-hit areas was Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls’ camp in Hunt, Texas, where five young campers lost their lives. First responders are still searching for over two dozen missing children and numerous others swept away by the rising Guadalupe River.

The victims included Janie Hunt, daughter of Anne Hunt, and Renee Smajstrla, identified by the nonprofit A Voice for the Voiceless. Two best friends, Lila Bonner and Eloise Peck, recent second-grade graduates, were also confirmed dead. A fifth camper’s identity has been withheld at the family’s request. The river rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, washing away cabins, vehicles, and homes.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the destruction as “unlike any natural disaster” he had seen. He emphasized the urgency of locating every missing girl and vowed relentless search efforts. Survivors like 13-year-old Elinor Lester recounted the terror as helicopters rescued campers.

Addressing criticism over the lack of early warnings, Secretary Noem explained that outdated federal systems like the National Weather Service and NOAA hindered timely alerts. She affirmed that President Trump’s administration is working to modernize this technology to better protect citizens during future disasters.