Uncovering the Full Toll: Shocking Secrets Behind Texas Floods as Trump Visits Devastation Zone

So, President Donald Trump touched down in Texas on July 11th, not for a Tex-Mex fest or a rodeo, but to confront the grim aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that hit while the rest of America was still basking in their 4th of July glow. Picture this: the Guadalupe River suddenly decides to throw a 26-foot tantrum, spilling over its banks like it just couldn’t keep the party contained, sweeping through communities and tragically claiming 121 lives, with over 170 people still missing a full week later. Trump, joined by Melania, is now meeting survivors and officials, and taking to the skies for a closer look at the devastation. It begs the question — when nature throws a curveball that ruthless, how do you even begin to pick up the pieces? Here’s the latest on this heart-wrenching disaster. LEARN MORE

President Donald Trump touched down in Texas today (11 July) to survey the damage which the deadly flash floods left in their wake.

As the rest of the nation enjoyed 4th July celebrations a week ago, the US state was plunged into crisis following a spate of heavy rain, which caused the Guadalupe River to burst its banks.

It resulted in severe floods, which ultimately cost 121 people their lives – while more than 170 locals are still unaccounted for, seven days on.

Trump has headed to Texas alongside his wife Melania to meet with survivors, emergency responders and top state officials, before touring some of the hardest-hit areas by air.

Here’s the latest on the horror flooding.

What happened last week?

The Guadalupe River rose by 26ft in less than an hour, US officials said (Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

In the early hours of 4 July, torrential rain triggered the catastrophic flooding in the state of Texas.

Officials said the Guadalupe River – which runs from Kerr County to San Antonio Bay on the Gulf Coast – rose by as much as 26ft in some places in less than an hour.

Locals were told to move to higher ground as a matter of urgency as the floodwater began wreaking havoc on local communities.

Dozens of children at a nearby Christian summer camp, Camp Mystic, sadly lost their lives, as did the owner while he desperately tried to help his guests.

On Thursday (10 July), authorities in Kerr County said that 96 people had died in the area – 60 adults and 36 children – while another 161 remained missing.

Five campers and one counsellor are among those who still have not been found.

Bodies were also found across the Hill Country area, which was also home to several children’s summer camps, after the destructive wall of water washed through the state.

But the devastation spread far and wide, spanning several hundred miles across central Texas, all the way to just outside the capital of Austin.

What’s happening now?

More than 120 are dead and over 170 remain missing one week on (Eric Vryn/Getty Images)

Mammoth search efforts remain ongoing for the 170 people who have still not been found following the horror floods.

More than 2,100 first responders from local, state and federal agencies are involved in the recovery mission, which is one of the largest search operations Texas has ever seen.

Crews are navigating the waterlogged areas in airboats, helicopters and on horseback, while hundreds of volunteers are also doing their bit.

Tragically, numerous bodies have already been recovered too.

State officials suggested that some missing victims could be buried under the huge piles of debris which stretch for miles.

Texas governor Greg Abbott said earlier this week: “Know this: We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for. Know this also: There very likely could be more added to that list.”

Survivors in the worst affected areas are trying to piece together what little is left of their homes and livelihoods.

What has Trump said?

Trump and Melania arrived in Texas on Friday (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

President Trump granted Texas’ request to extend the major disaster declaration beyond Kerr County, to include eight additional counties.

This means that these areas will also be eligible for direct financial assistance to recover and rebuild.

Today, the commander-in-chief will be briefed by officials in Kerr County, meet survivors and relatives of victims, and take an aerial tour to assess the devastation from above.

Governor Abbott said of Trump’s response to the floods: “He could not stop talking about how sad he was for all the little girls who have lost their lives.”

Before boarding the presidential plane to head to Texas, the President relayed his horror at the situation to reporters.

“It’s a horrible thing, a horrible thing,” Trump said. “Nobody can even believe it, such a thing that much water that fast, without a dam break…

“But we’re going to be there with some of the great families and others, the governor, everybody.”

Kerr County Commissioner and volunteer firefighter Jeff Holt said he hopes the focus of Trump’s visit is centred on ‘how we responded and what we’re going to do in the future’.

“In the future, we’re going to figure out how we get a little better at what we do,” Holt added, while suggesting the state needs a ‘better early warning system’ in the event of this kind of natural disaster.