His optimism was fading. He paused along a Texas 39 grape orchard as friends searched across the highway in a massive field spanning half a mile. Trees once blocked the roadside view. Now, the still-swollen river, a mess of uprooted trees and scattering of volunteer searchers were visible from the road.

At least 80 people have been confirmed dead following flash floods in central Texas, authorities said on Sunday, as rescuers continued a frantic search for dozens of campers, vacationers and residents who were still missing.

At least 78 people are dead following flooding that slammed central Texas over the weekend, while a desperate search for 11 missing from a camp for girls continues.