Missing Persons Count in Flood-Damaged Kerr County Drops to Three Following Texas Floods

The missing persons count following the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has significantly decreased from a peak of over 160 to just three. Many of those initially reported missing have been confirmed safe, as stated by local officials on Saturday. The process involved “extensive follow-up work” and “extraordinary efforts,” particularly as 173 individuals statewide were reported missing due to the floodwaters, which reached depths of two stories in some areas. City Manager Dalton Rice emphasized the collaborative nature of the search and rescue operations, highlighting the commitment shown to bring clarity and hope to families during this challenging period.

Dozens of individuals who were feared missing have since been located and verified safe, allowing them to be removed from the missing persons list. Authorities have not yet clarified whether specific factors contributed to locating the missing, such as the restoration of cellphone service that had been disrupted during the storm. The flooding occurred in the early morning hours of July 4, where swiftly rising waters swept through summer camp bungalows, washed vehicles off the roads, and left survivors precariously clinging to trees. The Guadalupe River experienced a rapid rise, increasing by 26 feet in just 45 minutes due to a “flood wave.”

Tragically, at least 27 campers and staff members died at Camp Mystic, where over 750 children were present during the flooding. Concerns have been raised regarding the communication strategy implemented to alert residents of impending danger, as the federal Integrated Public Alert & Warning System was not utilized. Senator Ruben Gallego has called for an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s handling of the disaster response. President Trump, during his visit to the flood-impacted area, defended the federal response, while local officials faced criticism over their alert systems.

Kerrville City Manager Rice remarked that the flooding was so sudden that even the best warnings may not have mitigated its impact.