The death toll from devastating floods in Texas has climbed to 82, with authorities warning that the number could rise further as search efforts continue for at least 41 missing individuals.

The floods, triggered by torrential rains that caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks on Friday, have left communities in central Texas reeling, particularly in Kerr County, where 68 bodies, including 28 children, have been recovered.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that many of the deceased were young girls attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp. Ten girls and a counsellor remain unaccounted for, with Leitha vowing to continue the search until "everybody is found." Texas Governor Greg Abbott described the situation as dire, warning of additional heavy rainfall forecast through Tuesday, which could exacerbate flooding in already saturated areas. "We are working around the clock to locate the missing," Abbott said, declaring Sunday a day of prayer for the state’s recovery and the safety of first responders.

The flooding, which struck on the US Independence Day holiday, has claimed lives across multiple counties: three in Burnet County, one in Tom Green County, five in Travis County, and one in Williamson County. Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd reported ongoing evacuations along the Guadalupe River, citing fears of another surge of water in vulnerable areas.

Questions are mounting over why Kerr County residents, particularly those near Camp Mystic, were not evacuated despite repeated National Weather Service warnings about rising water levels. Local reports noted that while other communities along the Guadalupe River were evacuated, Kerr County appeared to have been overlooked. "There are still no answers as to why those here weren’t alerted," he said.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been mobilised following a major disaster declaration by President Donald Trump, with US Coast Guard helicopters and planes assisting in search and rescue operations. However, Trump’s administration has faced scrutiny over its plans to scale back federal disaster aid. When pressed by reporters about phasing out FEMA, Trump said, "We can talk about that later, but right now, we are busy working.

President Trump expressed condolences, calling the floods "a horrible thing" and indicating he may visit Texas on Friday. In Rome, Pope Leo XIV offered prayers for the victims, particularly the families of the children lost at Camp Mystic.

Governor Abbott urged Texans to join in prayer for those affected, saying: "We pray for the lives lost, for those still missing, and for the recovery of our communities."

As rescue operations continue and more rain looms, Texas faces a long road to recovery amid growing questions about preparedness and the future of federal support for disaster management. (ILKHA)