URGENT UPDATE: Texas officials have confirmed that over 160 individuals initially reported missing after the devastating floods along the Guadalupe River have now been accounted for, with only three still unaccounted as of Monday. This announcement comes as a relief following a chaotic search effort in the aftermath of the deadly flooding that struck on July 4.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly reported at a special county meeting that the majority of those missing were tourists who left town without notifying authorities of their whereabouts. “This was a Herculean effort to track down people,” Kelly stated, emphasizing the significant challenges faced during the recovery process.
The catastrophic floods claimed at least 135 lives, primarily in Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River surged an astonishing 26 feet (8 meters), obliterating buildings and sweeping away vehicles. Located approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of San Antonio, this region, known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions, has been profoundly impacted by the disaster.
In the aftermath, hundreds were reported missing through a hotline and email, triggering an exhaustive investigative effort to confirm their safety. Kerrville police spokesperson Jonathan Lamb stated, “We understand how critical it is to report this information accurately — not only for the families affected but for the integrity of our emergency response as a whole.”
The sharp revision in the missing count is a common occurrence in the wake of large-scale disasters. Similar situations were observed in other incidents, such as the 2023 Maui fire, where initial fears of 1,100 missing were later reduced to just over 100 confirmed deaths. Such drastic changes remind us of the complexities involved in disaster recovery and the importance of accurate communication.
Texas’ Hill Country is a popular destination for campers and outdoor enthusiasts, with numerous RV parks and cabins lining the riverbanks. Tragically, the floods also devastated Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls, where at least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives.
Governor Greg Abbott acknowledged the difficulties in determining the number of missing individuals during a news conference on July 14, indicating that approximately 100 people remained unaccounted for statewide, with most cases concentrated in Kerr County. The rapid and severe nature of the flooding caught many residents off guard, as the area lacked an effective warning system.
In neighboring Travis County, which includes Austin, the floods resulted in at least 10 fatalities with one individual still reported missing. Officials have stated they are actively working to confirm sightings of the person, using various investigative methods to ensure accurate reporting.
As the situation continues to evolve, authorities are working tirelessly to locate the remaining missing individuals and support the affected families. The community’s resilience is on display as they begin the long road to recovery from this unprecedented disaster.
Stay tuned for further updates as officials continue to monitor the situation and provide new information.
