Texas Floods Claim 82 Lives as Search and Rescue Efforts Intensify

KERRVILLE, Texas — As the aftermath of devastating flash floods continues to unfold, the death toll in central Texas has tragically risen to at least 82, with search and rescue operations ongoing to locate the missing. The floods, which occurred on July 6, 2025, inundated homes and obliterated infrastructure, particularly impacting areas around Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp in Kerr County.

On Sunday, families returned to the site to sift through the wreckage of their homes, confronting the grim reality left behind by the torrential rains. Rescuers, navigating treacherous conditions, have reported 41 individuals unaccounted for, including ten girls and a counselor from the summer camp. Sheriff Larry Leitha of Kerr County confirmed that 68 bodies have been recovered in the area, including 28 children, with the toll expected to rise as search efforts continue.

Governor Greg Abbott, during a press briefing, expressed his condolences and emphasized the state's commitment to finding every missing person. “We will not stop until everyone is accounted for,” he stated. His office has activated the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following a disaster declaration made by President Donald Trump, who is expected to visit the affected areas.

The emergency response has involved exhaustive efforts using helicopters, boats, and drones to rescue individuals stranded in trees and isolated camps due to washed-out roads. Over 850 people have been rescued within the first 36 hours of the disaster, showcasing the urgency and scale of the response efforts.

Authorities are facing scrutiny regarding preparedness and the adequacy of flood warnings issued prior to the disaster. Kerr County has a history of flooding, raising concerns among residents and officials about the effectiveness of existing emergency protocols. In light of the ongoing crisis, Governor Abbott declared Sunday a day of prayer for the state, urging Texans to come together in support of those affected.

The National Weather Service has warned of more heavy rains expected to last into Tuesday, raising fears of further flooding in already saturated regions. Col. Freeman Martin of the Texas Department of Public Safety cautioned that the situation remains precarious, and the death toll may continue to climb.

As families begin to process their loss amid the destruction, the community of Kerrville is rallying together. Local organizations and volunteers are mobilizing to provide support and assistance to those displaced by the floods. This disaster highlights the broader implications of climate-related events and the importance of enhancing infrastructure resilience in vulnerable regions.

In a statement, the Texas Division of Emergency Management reiterated their commitment to ongoing recovery efforts, stating that they will continue to assess the situation and adapt their response as it evolves. The emotional and financial toll on the community will be significant, and long-term recovery plans will be necessary to restore normalcy in the wake of this tragic event.