Death toll in U.S. Texas flash floods climbs to 111, over 172 missing

The death toll from the floods in the U.S. state of Texas has increased to at least 111, with at least 172 people still unaccounted for, reported CNN, citing local officials.

The most recent fatality was reported in Williamson County, which now has three confirmed deaths, as stated by a county spokesperson.

"We sent out the update as the missing person was recovered. Now at three deaths," Williamson County spokeswoman Connie Odom told CNN on Tuesday evening.

Of the confirmed fatalities, 87 occurred in Kerr County. Camp Mystic, located along the river in Hunt, Texas, confirmed on Monday that at least 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott told a news briefing Tuesday afternoon that at least 161 people are known to be missing after the deadly flooding, noting that searches will persist throughout the Guadalupe River system in the hope of locating anyone else. He also asked the public to contact local officials with information about friends or relatives believed to be missing.

"Our hearts are broken alongside our families that are enduring this unimaginable tragedy. We are praying for them constantly," Camp Mystic said in a statement. "We have been in communication with local and state authorities who are tirelessly deploying extensive resources to search for our missing girls."

At least five Camp Mystic campers are still missing, along with one counselor, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha was quoted by CBS News as saying on Tuesday. There were about 750 children at Camp Mystic when the floods hit, the sheriff said earlier.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County at Abbott's request. On Saturday, Abbott said he visited the summer camp, describing the scene as "horrendously ravaged."

Read more: Terrain, intense rain, weak warnings among catalysts to Texas floods

(With input from Xinhua)