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“My name is Donald Trump and I’m the largest real estate developer in New York. I own buildings all over the place. I’ve mastered the art of the deal and turned the name Trump into the highest-quality brand.”

This is how Donald Trump introduced himself in the opening credits of The Apprentice when it first aired on 8 January 2004.

He was already a well-known businessman, having turned his father Fred’s rental company into a billion-dollar real estate empire. His turbulent finances – and love life – had also gained him notoriety in the tabloid press.

But it was his 11 years on The Apprentice that many say solidified his reputation – and paved the way to his shock White House win of 2016 – and second attempt at the presidency this year.

In his Trump Tower office in 2012. Pic: AP
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In his Trump Tower office in 2012. Pic: AP

‘My jet’s going to be in every episode’

When NBC first had the idea for The Apprentice, Donald Trump was one of many moguls who would sit at the boardroom table – with others proposed to front future series.

But having negotiated a 50% stake in the show and the episodes being filmed in Trump Tower, potential successors were soon shelved – and Trump stayed at the helm for 14 seasons.

According to reports, filming for the first episode, “Meet The Billionaire”, overran by hours, and Trump would call the channel at 6am the day after each one aired to get the earliest viewing figures.

Seemingly laser-focused on how the show could promote his businesses, he reportedly told TV bosses at the time: “My jet’s going to be in every episode. Even if it doesn’t get the ratings, it’s still going to be great for my brand.”

Donald Trump and Mark Burnett during The Apprentice.
Pic: Trump Prod/Mark Burnett Prod/Kobal/Shutterstock
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WithMark Burnett on The Apprentice.
Pic: Trump Prod/Mark Burnett Prod/Kobal/Shutterstock

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Further episodes were entitled “Sex, Lies and Altitude” and “Ethics Schmethics”.

Meanwhile, his opening voiceover acknowledged his previous financial difficulties, claiming, “It wasn’t always easy,” and that “15 years ago I was seriously in trouble… billions of dollars in debt”.

But he then exclaimed: “I fought back and I won… bigly.

“I used my brain and my negotiating skills and I worked it all out. Now my company is the biggest and strongest it ever was. And I’m having more fun than I ever have.”

Pic :AP
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At an NBC event for The Apprentice in 2015. Pic: AP

During his time on the show, he battled bankruptcies, court cases, and personal scandal.

But with 20 million viewers in the first year alone, his ‘The Donald’ persona and ‘You’re fired’ catchphrase is what many Americans knew and remembered him for.

Fresh Prince and Sex And The City

After rebranding his father’s business empire the Trump Organization in 1971, he was often pictured with celebrities at parties and married Czech model and athlete Ivana Zelnickova in 1977.

With first wife Ivana. Pic:MediaPunch /AP
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With first wife Ivana. Pic:MediaPunch /AP

His longstanding feud with then New York mayor Ed Koch often played out in newspaper and magazine interviews – also helping ensure he stayed in the public eye.

Meanwhile, throughout the 1980s and 1990s he bought casinos, hotels, and golf courses – as well as an American football team, 282ft yacht, and the Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA beauty pageants.

Donald Trump, the owner of the Miss Universe Organization, gives Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, her sash during a news conference announcing that Prejean would retain her title in New York May 12, 2009. Prejean had been the recent subject of controversy regarding photographs from earlier in her modeling career and statements regarding marriage she made during the Miss USA pageant. BEST QUALITY AVAILABLE   REUTERS/Lucas Jackson (UNITED STATES ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS)
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With Miss California USA, Carrie Prejean, in 2009. Pic: AP

Donald Trump (C) poses with Miss Universe Beauty Queens (L-R) Flaviana Matata, Angela Martini, Rosanna Purcell, Susie Castillo, Shandi Finnessey, Amelia Vega, Dayanna Mendoza, Justine Pasek, Riyo Mori, Crystle Stewart, Zana Krasniqi, Marigona Dragusha, and Chloe Martaud during the pageant photoshoot in New York, July 27, 2011. REUTERS/Jamie Fine (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS)
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With Miss Universe candidates in 2011. Pic: AP

During the 1990s, he also started making cameos on TV.

When the Home Alone sequel Lost In New York was released in 1992, both Trump and one of his biggest assets – Manhattan’s Plaza Hotel – were featured.

In 1994 he and his second wife, actress and TV presenter Marla Marples, played themselves in an episode of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

Marla Maples gets a kiss from Donald Trump at the stage door of the Palace Theater in New York following a performance of "Will Rogers Follies," Aug. 3, 1992. Maples, who plays the role of "Ziegfeld's Favorite" in the musical, took over the role in the Tony Award-winning show from Cady Huffman, who was nominated for a Tony for her part. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)
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With second wife Marla Maples in New York in 1992. Pic: AP

As prospective buyers of the family home, Will Smith’s on-screen cousin Carlton screams: “It’s The Donald, oh my god!” before fainting, before his sister Hilary says: “You look much richer in person.”

When he appeared in the sitcom The Nanny in 1996, his team is reported to have asked scriptwriters to change the reference to him from a millionaire to a billionaire.

He also made appearances in the film The Little Rascals and as a business contact of a rich older man trying to seduce Kim Cattrall’s character Samantha in Sex And The City.

Donald Trump and Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2.
Pic:20thCentFox/Everett/Shutterstock
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With Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone 2. Pic:20thCentFox/Everett/Shutterstock

Real estate magnate Donald Trump makes a sweeping gesture as he tapes a guest appearance for a Mothers Day episode on NBC's "Saturday Night Live," in New York, April 13, 1993.  
Pic: AP
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On Saturday Night Live in 1993. Pic: AP


Meanwhile, the Trump empire was suffering major financial difficulty.

The US recession of the early 1990s hit Trump’s businesses and he eventually accumulated $5bn (£3.8bn) in debt.

He was forced to sell his airline, yacht, and take out third mortgages on most of his properties, with many banks refusing to do business with him as a result.

Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs (R) accepts an award from the Rush Philanthropic Foundation for his efforts to support public education and dedication to youth and social activism,  from Donald Trump and his wife Melania (L) at Trump's Trumps Mar-A-Lago Club in Palm Beach, Florida on March 11, 2005.
Pic: Reuters
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With P Diddy and wife Melania in Florida in 2005. Pic: Reuters

In the 1990s and 2000s, Trump filed for bankruptcy six times.

Deutsche Bank came to his rescue, however, when they entered the US market in the early 2000s offering him millions in credit to fund Trump Tower among other projects.

Away from business, in 2005, Trump married his third wife, Melania.

Trump's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Pic: AP
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Trump’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2007. Pic: AP

Dropped by Apprentice over Mexico claims

Trump had flirted with politics from 2000, running as a candidate for the fringe Reform Party in the California and Michigan primaries.

That year, he also published a book called The America We Deserve, in which he expressed a series of conservative political views.

Over the next decade, he registered as both a Republican and a Democrat.

Real estate developer and Reform Party presidential hopeful Donald Trump sits with model Melania Knauss before the Miami Heat-Washington Wizards game  in 1999
Pic: Miami Herald/AP
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With wife Melania during his Reform Party days in 1999. Pic: Miami Herald/AP

He made moves towards another presidential bid, this time as a Republican, in 2011, but ultimately declared he wouldn’t run.

Despite his failure to progress, he received widespread attention for promoting ‘birtherism’ – a conspiracy theory that President Barack Obama was not born in the US.

The start of Trump’s political career marked the end of his time on The Apprentice.

In June 2015, NBC dropped him from the show over comments during his campaign launch speech about US Mexican immigrants being “rapists” and “bringing drugs”.

It was during this speech that he first vowed to “Make America Great Again”, having declared the American Dream “dead”.

Wearing a MAGA hat in March 2016 in Arizona. Pic: AP
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Wearing a MAGA hat in March 2016 in Arizona. Pic: AP

His campaign was overseen by the right-wing media figure Steve Bannon, who he appointed chief executive in mid-2016. In rally speeches, he made promises to “build a wall” along the US-Mexico border and throw his Democrat opponent Hillary Clinton in prison over claims she was “crooked”.

He trailed in the opinion polls and an audio clip from 2005 appeared to reveal him bragging about sexually assaulting women.

But despite many failing to take him seriously, the race narrowed and Clinton suffered a shock defeat, paving the way for a Trump White House in January 2017.

Hillary Clinton gives her concession speech in New York after losing the 2016 election. Pic: Reuters
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Hillary Clinton gives her concession speech in New York after losing the 2016 election. Pic: Reuters

Twitter president

Trump continued causing controversy when he entered the Oval Office.

He often bypassed official communication channels, preferring to make formal policy announcements on Twitter instead.

With wife Melania and daughter Tiffany at his 2017 inauguration. Pic: AP
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With wife Melania and daughter Tiffany at his 2017 inauguration. Pic: AP

Domestically, he made moves to dismantle Obamacare, and shifted the political makeup of the Supreme Court by nominating three conservative justices, which has since led to the overturning of constitutional abortion rights through Roe v Wade.

He quickly imposed what was dubbed a ‘Muslim ban’, temporarily stopping immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries.

Abroad, he withdrew the US from the Paris Climate Agreement and fundamentally changed trade relations with China and other key states.

He was praised for spearheading the Abraham Accords, which normalised relations between Israel, the UAE, and Bahrain, and many hoped would help move closer to peace for Israel-Palestine.

Despite declaring he had “made peace in the Middle East”, however, he also withdrew the US from the Iran nuclear deal.

With the leaders from Israel (left), UAE (second right), and Morocco (right) at the White House in 2020. Pic: Reuters
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With the leaders from Israel (left), UAE (second right), and Morocco (right) at the White House in 2020. Pic: Reuters

Meanwhile, his 2016 election campaign was investigated for alleged Russian interference. More than 30 people were charged, with his former attorney Michael Cohen among those sent to prison. Trump himself was never indicted and the special counsel probe failed to show any criminal collusion.

He was impeached twice – the first time in 2019 after an inquiry found he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to dig up dirt on his 2020 election rival Joe Biden – and the second time over the 6 January insurrection.

His handling of the coronavirus pandemic was widely criticised – but supported by libertarians, mask and vaccine sceptics.

On the White House balcony in October 20210. Pic: AP
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On the White House balcony in October 2020. Pic: AP

Despite contracting the virus in October 2020, he repeatedly referred to it as the “China virus” and made false claims that bleach could cure it.

At the November election, Trump got 74 million votes – more than any other sitting president in history – but lost by seven million overall.

Insurrection, impeachments and indictments

Trump immediately disputed the 2020 election result, claiming widespread electoral fraud in multiple states.

His “stop the steal” campaign culminated in a “Save America” rally at Washington DC’s National Mall on 6 January 2021.

Ahead of the formal verification of votes by the Electoral College, Trump urged supporters to “fight like hell”, vowing “we will never concede” and “we are going to the Capitol”.

Donald Trump supporters at his Save America rally on 6 January 2021. Pic: Reuters
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Trump supporters at his Save America rally on 6 January 2021. Pic: Reuters

When the rally ended, a mob descended on the Capitol, breaking into buildings, making death threats, and causing damage.

Six people died as a result, Trump was impeached for a second time, and he faced both criminal and civil lawsuits.

Trump supporters scale the wall of the Capitol Building in Washington DC on 6 January 2021. Pic: Reuters
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Trump supporters scale the wall of the Capitol Building in Washington DC on 6 January 2021. Pic: Reuters

The aftermath saw Trump largely abandoned by the Republican Party.

He refused to attend his successor’s inauguration and was banned by nearly all mainstream social media platforms, leading him to set up his own – Truth Social – in 2022.

Momentum began to build against him legally – and he faced criminal cases for alleged electoral fraud in Georgia, the removal of classified documents in Florida, and ‘hush money’ over an affair with former adult film star Stormy Daniels in New York.

Adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2005. Pic: AP
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Adult film star Stormy Daniels in 2005. Pic: AP

The Florida case was thrown out but he became the first US president in history to be convicted when he was found guilty in the hush money case. He is yet to be sentenced.

Separately, he lost two civil lawsuits in New York – one for sexually assaulting and defaming the writer E Jean Caroll and a second for overvaluing his business assets to secure bank loans. The fines for both totalled almost £350m.

Mugshot from the Fulton County Sherriff's Office in Georgia. Pic: AP/Fulton County Sherriff
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Mugshot from the Fulton County Sherriff’s Office in Georgia. Pic: AP/Fulton County Sherriff

Comeback

After the insurrection, Republican donors, congressmen and women effectively disowned Trump and he was blamed for the party’s results in the 2022 midterm elections.

But he remained popular with the grassroots, and had a more direct line to them when Elon Musk took over Twitter, reinstating Trump’s account.

Trump used the criminal cases against him to fuel his anti-establishment image and amid poor approval ratings for Joe Biden and a lack of another clear candidate, he re-emerged as a serious contender for the Republican nomination.

An emotional Joe Biden delivers a speech to the 2024 Democratic National Convention Pic: AP
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Joe Biden at the 2024 Democratic National Convention Pic: AP

Donald Trump.
Pic: AP
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Raising a fist as security agents try to shield him in Pennsylvania. Pic: AP

At the same time, Mr Biden’s age and mental capacity came increasingly into question.

And after confusing Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with Russia’s Vladimir Putin – and a disastrous TV debate, during which Trump said “I don’t think he knows what he said”, he was forced to pull out of the 2024 race.

Trump’s narrow escape from an assassination attempt at a Pennsylvania rally emboldened him and his supporters further.

RNC delegates wear fake ear bandages in support of Donald Trump
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Republican supporters wear solidarity ear bandages for Trump at the party convention. Pic: AP

His defiant raised fist and ear injury became symbols of the subsequent Republican Convention, where he formally accepted the party’s nomination and his most loyal followers sported solidarity ear bandages.

He now faces Kamala Harris for the presidency and a second shot at the White House on 5 November.

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Texas floods: The victims and people missing that have been named so far

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Texas floods: The victims and people missing that have been named so far

Details of those who have died and those who are missing after US flash floods are slowly emerging – with several young girls among those unaccounted for.

At least 69 people have died from the flooding in Texas, with an unknown number of people – including 11 girls and a counsellor from Camp Mystic in Kerr County – still missing.

As much as 10ins (25cm) of heavy rain fell in just a few hours overnight in central Kerr County on Friday, causing the banks of the Guadalupe River to burst at around 4am local time.

Tributes to those who died, and appeals for those who are still missing, are now being shared.

A map showing the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which burst from heavy rain and caused flash flooding
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Officials said 27 girls from Camp Mystic were reported missing after the flash floods in Texas

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Texas searches for missing children

Who are the victims?

Renee Smajstrla, eight

Renee Smajstrla, 8, died in the flash floods at Camp Mystic, Texas. Pic: Family handout
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Renee Smajstrla. Pic: Family handout

Renee’s uncle Shawn Salta confirmed the eight-year-old had died, and said she was one of 700 children staying at Camp Mystic.

“Renee has been found and while not the outcome we prayed for, the social media outreach likely assisted the first responders in helping to identify her so quickly,” he said.

“We are thankful she was with her friends and having the time of her life, as evidenced by this picture from yesterday.

“She will forever be living her best life at Camp Mystic.”

Sarah Marsh, eight

Sarah Marsh, 8, died in the flash floods at Camp Mystic, Texas. Pic: Family handout
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Sarah Marsh. Pic: Family handout

Mountain Brook mayor Stewart Welch confirmed the death of eight-year-old Sarah, from Alabama, who was a pupil at Cherokee Bend Elementary.

“This is an unimaginable loss for her family, her school, and our entire community,” he said. “Sarah’s passing is a sorrow shared by all of us, and our hearts are with those who knew and loved her.

“As we grieve alongside the Marsh family, we also remember the many others affected by this tragedy.”

Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, both nine

Lila Bonner (L), 9, and Eloise Peck, 9, both died in the flash floods at Camp Mystic, Texas. Pic: Family handout
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Lila Bonner (left) and Eloise Peck. Pic: Family handout

Eloise’s mother Missy Peck told local broadcaster FOX4 that her daughter and Lila were best friends and cabinmates at Camp Mystic.

Writing about her daughter on Instagram, Ms Peck said: “She lost her life in the tragic flooding… our family is grieving and processing this unimaginable loss together.”

Lila’s family told NBC Dallas Fort Worth, a local affiliate network of Sky’s US partner network, that they were in “unimaginable grief”, and said: “We ache with all who loved her.”

Janie Hunt, nine

Janie Hunt, 9, from Dallas, died from the flooding at Camp Mystic, Texas SQUARE
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Janie Hunt

Janie’s family confirmed her death to a reporter from NBC Dallas Fort Worth, who said “her mother tells me she’s devastated”.

Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, owner of Camp Mystic

Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, owner of Camp Mystic. Pic: Family handout
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Richard ‘Dick’ Eastland, owner of Camp Mystic. Pic: Family handout

Kerr County judge Rob Kelly told the Washington Post that Mr Eastland, who owned the camp died in a helicopter on the way to a Houston hospital.

Local outlet The Kerrville Daily Times reported he was killed while trying to save the girls from the flash floods.

“It doesn’t surprise me at all that his last act of kindness and sacrifice was working to save the lives of campers,” guest columnist Paige Sumner said in the Daily Times’ tribute to Mr Eastland.

Blair and Brooke Harber, 13 and 11

Blair, 13, and Brooke Harber, 11. Pic: Family handout
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Blair and Brooke Harber. Pic: Family handout

RJ Harber told CNN his daughters died during flooding in Kerr County, saying Blair “was a gifted student and had a generous kind heart”.

He added that Brooke “was like a light in any room, people gravitated to her and she made them laugh and enjoy the moment”.

He also said both his parents were still missing.

Jane Ragsdale, owner of Heart O’ the Hills camp

Jane Ragsdale. Pic: Heart O’ the Hills SQUARE
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Jane Ragsdale. Pic: Heart O’ the Hills

On Heart O’ the Hills’s website, the camp confirmed it was “right in the path of the flood” along the Guadalupe River.

While there were no campers in residence, Jane Ragsdale died. The camp said: “We at the camp are stunned and deeply saddened by Jane’s death.

“She embodied the spirit of Heart O’ the Hills and was exactly the type of strong, joyful woman that the camp aimed to develop with the girls entrusted to us each summer.”

Julian Ryan, 27

Julian Ryan, 27 -  Died trying to save family. Pic: GoFundMe SQUARE
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Julian Ryan. Pic: GoFundMe

Relatives of Mr Ryan told local news broadcaster KHOU 11 that he died saving his family from floodwaters in Texas Hill County.

They described how he tried to smash a window to help them escape the rising water, but it cut his arm and he bled out before help could arrive.

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Who is still missing?

Penny, Emlyn, and Madelyn ‘Emmy’ Jeffrey, 11

Penny and Emlyn Jeffrey. Pic: Family handout
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Penny and Emlyn Jeffrey. Pic: Family handout

Madelyn ‘Emmy’ Jeffrey, 11. Pic: Family handout
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Madelyn ‘Emmy’ Jeffrey. Pic: Family handout

Christin Jeffrey Jones posted on Facebook that her parents Penny and Emlyn Jeffrey are missing, as well her niece Madelyn ‘Emmy’ Jeffrey.

She said her family were in Hunt, Texas, and “were spending the night at their cabin on the river at Casa Bonita which is now completely gone”.

“We ask for continued prayers and miracles,” she said. “Please share the word.”

Charlene and Mike Harber, 74 and 76

Charlene, 74, and Mike Harber, 76. Pic: Family handout
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Charlene and Mike Harber. Pic: Family handout

RJ Harber also told CNN that his parents, Charlene and Mike Harber, are still missing.

He believes the couple have died.

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Deadly Texas floods: What were the warnings?

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Deadly Texas floods: What were the warnings?

Questions have been raised over extreme weather warnings in Texas, after heavy rain caused fatal flash floods along the Guadalupe River.

At least 51 people have died from the flooding in Texas, with an unknown number of people – including 27 girls from Camp Mystic in Kerr County – still missing.

As rescue teams continue to search for the missing, local and federal officials have come under fire over their flood preparations and about why those along the river weren’t warned of the risks sooner.

A map showing the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which burst from heavy rain and caused flash flooding
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A map showing the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, which burst from heavy rain and caused flash flooding

Campers from Camp Waldemar embrace after arriving at a reunification area. Pic: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP
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Campers embrace at a reunification area. Pic: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP

What happened?

As much as 10ins (25cm) of heavy rain fell in just a few hours overnight in central Kerr County on Friday, causing the banks of the Guadalupe River to burst at around 4am local time.

Homes and vehicles were swept away by the downpour – equivalent to months’ worth of rain – while 27 girls staying at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the river, went missing when the fast-rising floodwaters hit.

The death toll stands at:
• At least 43 people, including 15 children and 28 adults, in Kerr County,
• One person in Kendall County,
• At least four people in Travis County,
• At least two in Burnet County,
• And one person in the city of San Angelo.

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House sweeps away in flash floods

What flood warnings were there?

Private forecasting company AccuWeather said it and the National Weather Service (NWS) sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours before it began, urging people to move to higher ground and evacuate flood-prone areas.

The NWS also issued flash flood emergencies – a rare alert notifying of imminent danger – at 4.23am local time.

In a statement, AccuWeather said that “these warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety”.

It also called Texas Hill County one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the US because of its terrain and many water crossings.

However, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management Nim Kidd said that one NWS forecast earlier in the week had called for up to six inches of rain.

“It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” he said.

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Texas searches for missing children

Were they enough?

Locals have told various news agencies that while there had been phone alerts late into the night, forecasts headed into Friday evening did not predict the extreme conditions.

Christopher Flowers, who was staying at a friend’s house along the river when the flooding started, told the Reuters news agency: “What they need is some kind of external system, like a tornado warning that tells people to get out now.”

Kerrville resident Darryl Huffman told Sky’s US partner network NBC News that he did not believe the storm would pose such danger before its arrival.

“I looked out the window and it was barely sprinkling outside,” he said, “so I had no indication that the river was going to be right outside my driveway”.

People climb over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River after a flash flood. Pic: AP
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People climb over debris on a bridge atop the Guadalupe River in Ingram, Texas. Pic: AP

A Sheriff's deputy pauses while searching for the missing in Hunt, Texas.Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
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A Sheriff’s deputy pauses while searching for the missing in Hunt, Texas. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez

Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said it appeared evacuations and other proactive measures could have been undertaken to reduce the risk of fatalities.

He said in a statement: “People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings that are issued, regardless of the rainfall amounts that have occurred or are forecast.”

Separately, the NWS’s union told NBC News the agency’s offices in central Texas were well-staffed and had issued timely warnings, “giving preliminary lead times of more than three hours before warning criteria were met”.

What have officials said?

Local and federal officials have said they had not expected such an intense downpour of rain and insisted that no one saw the flood potential coming.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s top elected official, said: “We know we get rain. We know the river rises. But nobody saw this coming.”

“We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” he said, adding: “We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what’s happened here. None whatsoever.”

Mr Kelly separately noted that while the county considered a flood warning system along the river that would have functioned like a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, “the public reeled at the cost”.

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At a news conference with the Texas governor, Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem said on Saturday that “everybody knows that the weather is extremely difficult to predict” before saying “we have all wanted more time and more warning and more alerts and more notification” from the NWS.

She said a “moderate” flood watch issued on Thursday by the NWS had not accurately predicted the extreme rainfall and said the Trump administration was working to upgrade their technology.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Texas Gov. Greg Abbott give a briefing on the flash floods in Texas. Pic: AP
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Kristi Noem and Texas governor Greg Abbott give a news briefing. Pic: AP

Will forecasting get better?

While Ms Noem said technology for the NWS would be upgraded, the White House has previously been criticised after Donald Trump‘s administration ordered 800 job cuts at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – the parent organisation of the NWS.

A 30% cut to its budget is also in the pipeline, subject to approval by Congress.

Professor Costa Samaras, who worked on energy policy at the White House under President Joe Biden, said NOAA had been in the middle of developing new flood maps for neighbourhoods and that cuts to NOAA were “devastating”.

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At least 51 people killed in Texas flooding as authorities face scrutiny over response

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At least 51 people killed in Texas flooding as authorities face scrutiny over response

At least 51 people have died after heavy rain caused flash flooding, with water bursting from the banks of the Guadalupe River in Texas.

The overflowing water began sweeping into Kerr County and other areas around 4am local time on Friday, killing at least 43 people in the county.

This includes at least 15 children and 28 adults, with five children and 12 adults pending identification, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said at a news conference.

In nearby Kendall County, one person has died. At least four people were killed in Travis County, while at least two people died in Burnet County. Another person has died in the city of San Angelo in Tom Green County.

People comfort each other in Kerville. Pic: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP
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People comfort each other in Kerrville, Texas. Pic: Jason Fochtman/Houston Chronicle via AP

People stand near debris following flash flooding, in Kerrville, Texas, U.S. July 5, 2025. REUTERS/Marco Bello
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Large piles of debris in Kerrville, Texas, following the flooding. Pic: Reuters//Marco Bello

More than 700 children were staying at Camp Mystic

An unknown number of people remain missing, including 27 girls from Camp Mystic in Kerr County, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River.

Rescuers have already saved hundreds of people and would work around the clock to find those still unaccounted for, Texas governor Greg Abbott said.

But as rescue teams are searching for the missing, Texas officials are facing scrutiny over their preparations and why residents and summer camps for children that are dotted along the river were not alerted sooner or told to evacuate.

More on Texas

AccuWeather said the private forecasting company and the National Weather Service (NWS) sent warnings about potential flash flooding hours before the devastation, urging people to move to higher ground and evacuate flood-prone areas.

People look at debris on the banks of the Guadalupe River after a flash flood swept through the area Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Hunt, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Debris on the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt. Pic: AP Photo/Julio Cortez

An overturned vehicle is caught in debris along the Guadalupe River after a flash flood struck the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Kerrville,
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An overturned vehicle is caught in debris along the Guadalupe River. Pic: AP

The NWS later issued flash flood emergencies – a rare alert notifying of imminent danger.

“These warnings should have provided officials with ample time to evacuate camps such as Camp Mystic and get people to safety,” AccuWeather said in a statement that called Texas Hill County one of the most flash-flood-prone areas of the US because of its terrain and many water crossings.

But one NWS forecast earlier in the week had called for up to six inches of rain, said Nim Kidd, chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management.”It did not predict the amount of rain that we saw,” he said.

Officials said they had not expected such an intense downpour of rain, equivalent to months’ worth in a few short hours, insisting that no one saw the flood potential coming.

One river near Camp Mystic rose 22ft in two hours, according to Bob Fogarty, meteorologist with the NWS’s Austin/San Antonio office. The gauge failed after recording a level of 29.5ft.

A wall is missing on a building at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
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A wall is missing on a building at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez

Bedding items are seen outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
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Bedding items are seen outside sleeping quarters at Camp Mystic. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez

A Sheriff's deputy pauses while searching for the missing in Hunt, Texas.Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
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A Sheriff’s deputy pauses while searching for the missing in Hunt, Texas.Pic: AP/Julio Cortez

“People, businesses, and governments should take action based on Flash Flood Warnings that are issued, regardless of the rainfall amounts that have occurred or are forecast,” Jonathan Porter, chief meteorologist at AccuWeather, said in a statement.

“We know we get rain. We know the river rises,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, the county’s top elected official. “But nobody saw this coming.”

Judge Kelly said the county considered a flood warning system along the Guadalupe River that would have functioned like a tornado warning siren about six or seven years ago, before he was elected, but that the idea never got off the ground because “the public reeled at the cost”.

Pic: Reuters
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A drone view of Comfort, Texas. Pic: Reuters

Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez
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Officials comb through the banks of the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas. Pic: AP/Julio Cortez

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was asked during a news conference on Saturday whether the flash flood warnings came through quickly enough: “We know that everyone wants more warning time, and that is why we are working to upgrade the technologies that have been neglected for far too long.”

Presidential cuts to climate and weather organisations have also been criticised in the wake of the floods after Donald Trump‘s administration ordered 800 job cuts at the science and climate organisation NOAA, the parent organisation of the NWS, which predicts and warns about extreme weather like the Texas floods.

A 30% cut to its budget is also in the pipeline, subject to approval by Congress.

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Professor Costa Samaras, who worked on energy policy at the White House under President Joe Biden, said NOAA had been in the middle of developing new flood maps for neighbourhoods and that cuts to NOAA were “devastating”.

“Accurate weather forecasts matter. FEMA and NOAA matter. Because little girls’ lives matter,” said Frank Figliuzzi, a national security and intelligence analyst at Sky’s US partner organisation NBC News.

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