Floods in Texas Leave 135 Dead, 3 Missing

Three individuals remain missing following the devastating floods that struck Texas on July 4, a significant decrease from the nearly 100 people initially reported unaccounted for. Officials have commended the efforts of rescue teams for the substantial reduction in the number of missing persons. Just days after the catastrophic flooding, over 160 people were reported missing in Kerr County alone.

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice highlighted the extensive efforts involved in the search and rescue operations, stating, "This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time."

The death toll in Kerr County, which stood at 107, remained unchanged for much of the week despite the ongoing intensive search efforts. The flash floods resulted in at least 135 fatalities across Texas, with the majority of deaths occurring along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, approximately 60 miles northwest of San Antonio.

Just before dawn on July 4, the swift and destructive waters of the Guadalupe River surged to a height of 26 feet, sweeping away homes and vehicles in their path. The floods devastated the Guadalupe River area, a popular tourist destination known for its scenic riverbanks and rolling landscapes. The region is particularly susceptible to flash flooding due to its dry, dirt-packed soil, which struggles to absorb heavy rainfall.

Vacation cabins, youth camps, and campgrounds line the riverbanks and hills of Kerr County, including Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls. Situated in a low-lying area of a region known as "flash flood alley," Camp Mystic suffered the loss of at least 27 campers and counselors.

The severity of the flooding exceeded the 100-year event anticipated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, moving so rapidly in the middle of the night that it caught many residents off guard. Kerr County lacked an effective warning system, exacerbating the impact of the floods. Local officials in Kerrville, approximately 100 miles west of Austin, have faced scrutiny over whether residents were adequately warned about the rising waters.

President Donald Trump and Texas Governor Greg Abbott have vigorously defended local authorities against criticism regarding their response to forecasts of heavy rain and initial reports of flash flooding. Rescue crews have employed helicopters, boats, and drones in their search for victims, although earlier efforts were hindered by rain forecasts, leading some teams to pause or halt their operations due to concerns about further flooding.