HUNT, Texas (WDNews) –
President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump traveled to Hunt, Texas, on Friday to offer comfort, support and federal resources to the community devastated by historic flooding that claimed the lives of more than 130 people, including dozens of children attending a Christian summer camp.
In emotional remarks, Trump described the scene as unlike anything he’s witnessed in previous natural disasters.
“Trees that are 100 years old just ripped out of the ground. I’ve never seen anything like it,” he said. “The devastation is beyond belief.”
The catastrophic flooding was caused by a rapid rise of the Guadalupe River, which reportedly surged more than 26 feet in under 45 minutes. Some residents said it may have reached as high as 60 feet in certain areas.
The flooding caught most residents while they were sleeping, with many swept away in the early morning darkness.
Among the lives lost were young girls attending Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp that Trump called “legendary.” The President and First Lady met privately with families of the victims, offering prayers and condolences.
“All the beautiful souls… we’re filled with grief,” Trump said. “We take comfort in the knowledge that God has welcomed those little beautiful girls into His comforting arms in heaven.”
The U.S. Coast Guard was credited with saving 169 children from Camp Mystic during the worst of the storm. Trump praised the bravery of first responders and volunteers who rushed to help, calling their work “heroic.”
Texas officials reported over 1,500 rescues and the deployment of more than 400 emergency personnel, including FEMA, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, and trauma teams.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick joined Trump at the event, thanking the administration for its rapid response.
“This is the fastest I’m aware of for any administration granting a major disaster declaration,” Abbott said.
Trump emphasized the importance of rebuilding, saying his administration is committed to ensuring such devastation never happens again.
“We’re taking historic action to improve preparedness and infrastructure,” he noted.
In closing, Trump praised the resilience and unity of the Texas community.
“Two words: unity and competence,” he said. “We’re going to make it back—and we’re going to make it good again.”
