Rescue efforts continue in flood-ravaged Texas

As raging floodwaters tear through the Texas Hill Country, rescue and recovery efforts are pushing into their fourth day, with no signs of slowing down.

(NBC)- As raging floodwaters tear through the Texas Hill Country, rescue and recovery efforts are pushing into their fourth day, with no signs of slowing down.

“It’s where our energy, our resources, and our attention are directed,” said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice. “Nothing is more important than bringing comfort and clarity to those who are waiting and grieving.”

Hundreds of first responders are working around the clock across a devastated landscape, deploying every available resource. The Texas Department of Public Safety is contributing boat teams, helicopters, rescue divers, and drones equipped with thermal and night vision technology.

“The Department of Public Safety is offering any and every resource that we have to help those searches,” said DPS Director Freeman F. Martin.

High-profile military vehicles have rolled in to assist. Search teams are combing flooded areas by foot, by air, and even on horseback. One of those teams uncovered the body of a young flood victim buried in debris.

“We decided we should look in that spot a little bit more before we went back down,” said Kinley Klaehn from Harper, Texas. “And that’s where we found her.”

“We covered her with a towel,” added Sarah Klaehn, her voice shaking.

The official death toll has climbed to at least 80, with dozens still missing. Among them: a group of young girls and their counselor from Camp Mystic.

Thirteen-year-old Stella Thompson is one of the lucky ones. She and a group of fellow campers were rescued by the National Guard, led through debris, overturned vehicles, and camp supplies tangled in the trees.

“I think while it was going on I sort of felt a numbness,” she said. “Saying it out loud is making me realize what actually happened and how bad it actually is.”