Heavy rains in central Texas caused the Guadalupe River to rapidly rise and overflow on Friday, leading to heavy flooding that took the lives of dozens of people, including children.
According to the latest update from NBC News on Saturday night, the death toll from the flash floods has risen to 51 people. Forty-three deaths, including 15 children, have been reported in Kerr County, which is northwest of San Antonio.
State officials have also confirmed that 27 girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located along the south fork of the Guadalupe River, remain missing.
Amid the search and rescue operations, Tavia Hunt, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, shared her pain about the tragedy.
"If your heart is broken, I assure you God is near," Tavia Hunt wrote in a lengthy post. "He is gentle with your wounds. And He is still worthy—even when your soul is struggling to believe it. Trust doesn’t mean you’re over the pain; it means you’re handing it to the only One who can hold it with love and restore what was lost. For we do not grieve as those without hope."
The Hunt matriarch, who resides in Texas along with her husband and children, also delivered the devastating news that an extended family member was among the Camp Mystic victims of the tragic flash floods.
"Our hearts are broken by the devastation from the floods in Wimberley and the tragic loss of so many lives — including a precious little Hunt cousin, along with several friend's little girls," Hunt shared.
Kansas City Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt (left) and coach Andy Reid
Kansas City Chiefs chairman Clark Hunt (left) and coach Andy Reid.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Kerr County has been the site of most of the known heavy flooding. Travis County has reported four deaths, and Kendall and Tom Green counties have one each. The Burnet County Emergency Management also confirmed two more losses on Saturday night.
Unfortunately, state officials have not released an official number of the missing statewide, and the death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.