At least 24 people have died after heavy rain pounded Kerr County, Texas, early Friday, leading to "catastrophic" flooding, the sheriff said.

A t least six people were killed and more than 20 children were missing from a girl’s summer camp after torrential rain caused widespread flooding in parts of central Texas. Several victims, both children and adults, were recovered in cars and in water, authorities said. The number of deaths is expected to rise.

Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick said authorities were searching for 23 girls listed as unaccounted for among more than 700 children who were at a summer camp when it was swept by floodwaters.