Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick of Texas has confirmed that flash floods have claimed at least 59 lives in Kerr County. The deadly floods struck just outside the town of Kerrville on Friday, July 4, as Americans celebrated Independence Day.

Rescue crews are still searching for survivors in the area, where the flooding has devastated homes, vacation cabins, cars, and mobile homes. In just a few hours, the Guadalupe River surged to a dangerous 26 feet after a month’s worth of rain fell, prompting several counties to declare a state of emergency.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha reported that among the 59 victims, 38 were adults and 21 were children. Lieutenant Governor Patrick told Fox News, “We’re now up to 59. We expect that to go higher sadly,” as rescue efforts continue.

Kerrville Mayor Don Herring Junio emphasized the ongoing search: “Our goal is to rescue those in peril and find those who are lost. Our community, our state, and the world have been responding.”

City manager Dalton Rice explained the sudden rise of the Guadalupe River, noting that heavy rain overwhelmed both the north and south forks of the river, causing water levels to spike from 7 to 29 feet in minutes.

Around 750 girls at Camp Mystic south of Kerrville lost electricity, water, and WiFi due to the floods, and some missing persons are believed to be among them.

The situation remains critical as rescue operations continue, and officials warn the death toll may rise.