President Donald Trump issued a disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas, on Sunday after flooding devastated communities along the Guadalupe River in the central part of the state.
Trump’s declaration, first posted to his Truth Social platform came after reports confirmed that 69 people — at least 15 of them children — had been killed in the flash floods when the Guadalupe River rose more than 20 feet in less than forty-five minutes.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) July 6, 2025
“I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing,” Trump posted. “The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Trump also sent a letter to Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) informing him that the disaster declaration had been issued, opening up federal resources to the areas in Texas who were impacted by the floods.
Underneath the typed text of the letter — which detailed what federal funding would be made available and how it was to be distributed — the president included a handwritten note to Abbott, saying, “Our wonderful Sec. Kristy Noem is available at all times.”
According to the most recent reports, the death toll has risen to 69 — and there are still eleven campers and one counselor missing from Camp Mystic. Additional flash flood warnings were issued on Sunday for parts of Tarrant and Johnson Counties, some 150 miles from the initial flooding.