Texas Flash Floods: At Least 79 Dead, Search for Missing Continues

KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A devastating series of flash floods in Texas has resulted in at least 79 fatalities, with numerous individuals still unaccounted for. The floods, which struck during the July Fourth holiday weekend, wreaked havoc on the central Texas region, particularly around Kerr County, where many campers were present at the time.

The flooding was exacerbated by a severe storm that dropped an unprecedented 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain in a short period, causing the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically. According to Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County, the bodies of 68 victims have been recovered, including 28 children. As of Sunday, ten girls and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the river, remain missing, raising concerns about the final death toll.

Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that 41 individuals are currently unaccounted for throughout the state, and the number of missing persons could potentially rise. The flooding began in the early morning hours of July 6, shortly after the National Weather Service issued an urgent flood warning at approximately 4 a.m. However, many local residents reported receiving no prior emergency alerts, which has led to scrutiny regarding the preparedness and response of local officials.

The Texas Hill Country is historically prone to flooding, primarily due to its topography, which results in rapid water runoff during heavy rainfall. The floodwaters surged into the Guadalupe River, causing it to rise 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes. This alarming rate of rise caught many off guard, as residents were unaware of the impending danger while they slept.

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly expressed frustration over the lack of timely warnings, stating, “Nobody saw this coming.” Officials have described this disaster as a ‘100-year flood,’ a term used to signify a rare and catastrophic weather event based on historical data. However, experts indicate that climate change may be influencing the frequency and severity of such storms, as warmer atmospheric conditions allow for increased moisture retention and precipitation.

In light of the disaster, officials are facing scrutiny for their flood response protocols, particularly the timing and delivery of warnings. Critics argue that alerts should have been issued much earlier to prevent loss of life. Kerr County officials had previously proposed enhancing the flood warning system to include alerts similar to those used for tornado warnings, but public concern over the associated costs delayed the implementation of such measures.

The aftermath of this natural disaster has left a monumental task of recovery and rebuilding ahead. Campgrounds have been obliterated, homes have been destroyed, and community members are grappling with grief and loss. Kerr County’s City Manager, Dalton Rice, remarked, “It’s going to be a long time before we’re ever able to clean it up, much less rebuild it.”

In response to the catastrophe, President Donald Trump has indicated plans to visit the affected areas to assess the damage and offer federal support. As rescue and recovery operations continue, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of the missing, while grappling with the reality of this tragic event.

The Associated Press continues to follow developments in this unfolding crisis, providing updates on search efforts and the community's resilience in the face of such overwhelming loss.