Death toll in US Texas flash floods climbs to 109, over 160 still missing

NEW YORK -- At least 109 people were dead and over 160 are still missing as of Tuesday after devastating flash floods slammed the US Texas Hill Country, with rescue operations still going on along the Guadalupe River.

Of the fatalities, 87 occurred in Kerr County, officials said. Camp Mystic, located along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed on Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a news briefing Tuesday afternoon that at least 161 people are known to be missing after the deadly flooding, noting that searches will persist throughout the Guadalupe River system in the hope of locating anyone else. He also asked the public to contact local officials with information about friends or relatives believed to be missing.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," Camp Mystic said in a statement. "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls."

At least five Camp Mystic campers are still missing, along with one counselor, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha was quoted by CBS News as saying on Tuesday. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.

US President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County at Abbott's request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp, describing the scene as "horrendously ravaged."