Kerr County flood deaths surpass 100 as search for missing continues

KERR COUNTY, Texas - The death toll in Kerr County, Texas climbed above 100 Friday night as recovery operations continued in the county on a day when President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump toured the damage left behind by July 4 flash flooding.

The July 4 flooding has killed at least 129 people in Central Texas and more than 170 people are missing.

Officials in Kerrville said they will not hold a news conference on Saturday.

"Victim recovery operations continue and additional resources from local, state and federal partners continue to deploy to Kerr County as mission efforts become more technical," the city of Kerrville said Friday night.

July 12 UPDATES:

5 p.m.

Gov. Greg Abbott requested that the counties of Burnet, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and Tom Green be added to President Donald J. Trump’s Major Disaster Declaration following the recent catastrophic flooding that impacted communities across Texas.

A review of damage assessments shows they exceed federal criteria for FEMA’s Public Assistance program, Abbott said, which includes assistance for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities. Additional counties may be requested as updated information becomes available.

1:50 p.m.

Kerr County has opened a family assistance center for families with members who have died, are missing or injured.

It's located at BT Wilson School in Kerrville and is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

Additionally, residents who need a recovery team to assess debris on their property can call 830-896-1133.

1:47 p.m.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha also thanked the president:

"Thank you President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump for standing with Texas and Kerr County during this time of need. Federal assets, working alongside our local and state resources, have been vital to helping the people of Kerr County. Your administration has had our back from the first minute of this event, and we sincerely thank you."

1:45 p.m.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring released a statement after President Donald Trump visited the city yesterday:

"On behalf of the City of Kerrville, we are exceptionally grateful for the visit yesterday from President Trump and the First Lady.

"We’re also deeply grateful for the support shown by U.S. Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, Congressman Chip Roy, and several Cabinet secretaries. Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have provided steady support since day one, along with State Senator Pete Flores and State Representative Wes Virdell. We were also honored to welcome a strong delegation of members from both the U.S. Congress and the Texas Legislature.

"It was a strong showing of support for Kerrville and Kerr County from our federal and state government partners. We are very thankful for their help.

"Having them visit Kerrville says one thing loud and clear: When Kerrville and Kerr County asked for help, the federal government and the state government responded immediately and have been here since July 4, working around the clock with our amazing local public servants. The federal government and the state government have our backs.

"Please pray for the safety of the thousands of first responders out in the field this weekend. Remember in your prayers those who mourn, and those who wait for word for their missing family members."

1 p.m.

10:40 a.m.

Burnet County officials said Saturday morning that five people are confirmed dead as a result of the flooding.

Officials said Fire Chief Mike Phillips is still missing.

"Specialist teams and equipment continue to deploy into the search area and work themselves to exhaustion or until nightfall in the effort to find him."

10:35 a.m.

Police have closed Lake Travis to the public because of ongoing safety concerns.

10:30 a.m.

Leander Church of God is making showers available for those in need from 8 a.m. until noon and 5 - 8 p.m. Saturday.

They are also making buses available for those who need transportation and offering assistance with laundry.

Those in need are asked to contact Mrs. Sally at 251-610-6837.

10 a.m.

Officials in Ector County said a juvenile probation officer and her boyfriend, an Odessa police officer, are among the Kerr County victims.

The Texas Department of Juvenile Justice confirmed that Jayda Floyd and her boyfriend, Bailey Martin, were camping with Martin's parents in Kerr County last week. All four died.

Trump visits Kerrville

FULL: Trump speaks in Kerr County amid flooding

Special coverage of President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump's visit to Central Texas

President Trump met with first responders and officials Friday afternoon surveying flood damage along the Guadalupe River.

What they're saying:

"The first lady and I are here in Texas to express the love and support and the anguish of our entire nation in the aftermath of this really horrific and deadly flood," Trump said.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed a "Major Disaster Declaration" for relief for Kerr County.

"My administration is doing everything in its power to help Texas," Trump said. "And I can tell you that, and the governor will be the first to tell you that, when the request was made for the emergency funds, Kristi, I think we gave it within about two minutes, maybe less. And they had everything they needed."

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called the Coast Guard and Border Patrol "amazing" resources that responded to the flooding.

"And we've had over 700 different FEMA employees and volunteers here as well that are engaged," Noem said. "And so all of your assets that you have as a federal government are deployed to help this community restore, but also to heal."