Hunt, Texas: The death toll in Central Texas' devastating floods rose to 51 by Saturday night, as rescue workers continued a desperate search for survivors, including 27 girls missing from Camp Mystic, a summer camp located on the banks of the rapidly swollen Guadalupe River.

The flooding, triggered by a deluge of rain that caused the river to rise 26 feet (8 metres) in just 45 minutes, has overwhelmed authorities and residents. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 43 people had died in the county alone, including 15 children. Several were campers at Mystic, where 750 girls had been attending summer activities.

So far, four of the 27 missing children have been confirmed dead, according to US media citing family sources. The camp was found in disarray, with shattered windows, belongings buried in mud, and cabins severely damaged by floodwaters.

Rescue teams — including air, water, and ground crews — are scouring the region, especially along the Guadalupe River, which remains dangerous with strong currents and floating debris. Kerrville and surrounding towns remain on high alert amid ongoing flash flood warnings.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded the state disaster declaration and requested additional federal resources from President Donald Trump. Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Department of Emergency Management, stated that the search would continue “until all those who are missing are found.”

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned of more rainfall in the coming days, which could worsen conditions. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed plans to upgrade meteorological infrastructure, though officials faced criticism for underestimated forecasts and insufficient flood warnings.

Victims include Camp Mystic's owner Dick Eastland and Jane Ragsdale, director of nearby Heart O’ The Hills camp, who were confirmed dead.

As many as 850 people have been evacuated so far, with eight reported injured. Rescue operations remain “very difficult,” officials said, amid debris-choked floodwaters and damaged infrastructure.

Scientists and local officials say climate change is a key factor behind the increasing frequency and severity of such flash floods in Texas and elsewhere in the US. “Nothing like this has ever happened,” said Soila Reyna, a Kerrville resident. “It’s not just homes — it’s children, lives, everything.”

The situation remains fluid, and officials have yet to provide a final count of the missing as the search continues through the weekend.