KERR COUNTRY, Tx. (KLFY) -- Congressman Clay Higgins tours the flood damage in Texas as the death toll continues to rise and many are still missing.

"In my 64 years of life, I have never seen flood devastation like this," said Higgins. "The cleanup process begins as the state and federal response arrives with many state and federal leaders touring the devastation."

Due to persistent rains, the Guadalupe River rose very quickly. The gauge at Hunt recorded a nearly 30-feet rise in river level in a matter of hours. This led to unprecedented devastation and an increasing death toll. Many people are still missing and unaccounted for.

"There are 161 people who are known to be missing, we will not stop till every missing person is accounted for," said Governor Greg Abbott.

The state and federal response has been swift as FEMA is on the ground.

"We're going to help our Texas brothers and sisters recover," said Higgins. "This response is helping first responders locate the missing and also brings in much needed relief and supplies."

The rescue mission and search for the missing will continue, but the long-term scars will take longer to heal.

"There will need to be a debris cleanup effort, which will be massive and will probably take years to finally complete," said Senator John Cornyn. "For those who lost loved ones, the scars will never heal, but Congressman Clay Higgins says Louisiana will be there to help every step of the way."

The updated death toll is now 109. President Trump and first lady Melania will visit the area on Friday.

"We're going to stand together and help Texas stand back up," said Higgins.

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