Flash floods during the July Fourth weekend killed at least 82 people in Texas, with 41 still missing.

Former President Donald Trump described the flooding as a “once-in-a-century disaster” and announced plans to visit the hardest-hit areas on Friday to assess the damage and support relief efforts. Rescuers are urgently searching for the missing, including children.

Worst-Hit Areas:

Kerr County was hardest hit, with 68 deaths (28 children), and 11 still missing from Camp Mystic. Other affected counties include Travis (6 dead), Burnet (3 dead, 5 missing), Kendall and Williamson (2 each), and Tom Green (1).

Why It Was So Severe:

Heavy rain, nearly 12 inches, fell early Friday on dry, compact soil, causing the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes. Many were caught off guard as they slept.

Response and Warnings:

Despite flood watches Thursday, rare flash flood emergencies were declared by 4 a.m. Friday. Camps were cleared as a precaution, but authorities acknowledged they were unprepared for the storm’s unexpected ferocity.