At least 59 people, including 21 children, have died after devastating flash floods hit Kerr County, Texas, during Fourth of July celebrations. “We’re now up to 59. We expect that to go higher sadly,” Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick told Fox News.

The floods struck suddenly after intense rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly to 26 feet. Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice explained, “This rain event sat on top of that and dumped more rain than what was forecasted… within minutes it was up to 29 feet.” The river’s north and south forks overflowed and merged, sending water rushing through the area.

Sheriff Larry L. Leitha confirmed the death toll at a Sunday press conference, noting the victims included both adults and children. Mayor Don Herring Jr. emphasized ongoing efforts: “Our goal is to rescue those in peril and find those who are lost.”

Camp Mystic, where 750 girls were staying south of Kerrville, was left without power, water, or WiFi. Several missing children were from this camp.

A state of emergency has been declared across multiple counties as rescue crews continue searching, with officials warning that the death toll could rise further.