At least 27 people are dead in Texas floods as the search continues for the many missing

According to Kerr County Sheriff Larry L. Leitha, officials in Texas have found the deaths of at least 27 individuals, including nine children, after sections of the state were hit by terrible floods.

Leitha said officials have evacuated or rescued over 850 people, including eight with injuries.

Both totals were current as of Saturday morning local time, the sheriff said at a news conference. He said that things are still changing and that the figures might change. Authorities said that the previous death toll was 24 on Friday night.

“We’re unable to release any further information on deceased at this time as our thoughts and prayers go out to the loved ones,” Leitha said Saturday. “We are working hard to locate anyone who is still missing and ensure they are safe.”

He suggested that individuals in the area can phone a call center or email relief workers to report missing people.

The destructive fast-moving waters rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before daybreak Friday, washing away homes and vehicles. The threat was not ended as heavy rains continued to hit areas west of San Antonio on Saturday, and flash flood warnings and watches were still in force.

Early Friday morning, about 107 game wardens and an aviation group tried to access the camp, according to officials. They were able to go into the camp and start saving kids just after noon.

Searchers used helicopters, boats and drones to look for victims and to rescue stranded people in trees and from camps isolated by washed-out roads.

“People need to know today will be a hard day,” said Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. “Please pray for our community.”