'Today will be a hard day': Search ongoing for missing kids, adults in Kerrville
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The city of Kerrville and Kerr County provided another update following the fatal flash flooding that moved through the area Friday.
As of 3:40 p.m. Saturday, officials said 32 people have been found dead. Of those, 18 were adults and 14 were children. Five adults remain unidentified, as well as three children.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. said a fund has been set up by the Community Foundation of Texas Hill Country.
"People need to know today will be a hard day...it will be a hard day," Herring said.
Governor Greg Abbott provided an update at 3 p.m. Saturday on the severe and deadly flooding impacting Central Texas.
He was joined by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, U.S. Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Congressman Chip Roy, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, and other officials.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said water began to recede Saturday morning, and there were now hundreds of state, federal and local resources supporting the community.
On Saturday afternoon, workers in Center Point, southeast of Kerrville began clearing debris from a bridge on San Antonio Street. Amid the piles of tree branches and splintered wood, crews were finding clothing, shoes, and other personal items. A home, forced from its foundation in the flood, was smashed alongside the bridge.
Search and rescue operations will continue until all people are accounted for, according to officials. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said that so far, more than 850 people have been evaluated and are uninjured.
On Friday evening, Governor Abbott announced at least 24 confirmed fatalities during a press event. Prior to the announcement, Acting Governor Dan Patrick said approximately 20 children were also unaccounted for from a camp in the area.
U.S. House Representative Chip Roy said during a news conference Saturday, lives were lost saving people, including camp directors.
On Saturday afternoon, the family of Lila James Bonner, a camper at Camp Mystic, confirmed she died during the flood event.
"The family of Lila James Bonner is heartbroken to confirm the news of her loss. In the midst of our unimaginable grief, we ask for privacy and are unable to confirm any details at this time. We ache with all who loved her and are praying endlessly for others to be spared from this tragic loss," the Bonner family said in a statement.
On Saturday morning, the Kerrville Police Department said rescue teams worked throughout the night and would continue until everyone is found.
“Hundreds of first responders are here with resources from throughout the state to help us,” KPD said. “Our thoughts remain with those who are unaccounted for and their loved ones. They are our focus and will remain so.”