The number of people missing in Texas Hill Country following the deadly flooding over the Fourth of July weekend has dramatically decreased, according to officials. The Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center confirmed that only three people remain unaccounted for, down from nearly 100 initially reported missing.
The city of Kerrville shared this update in a news release, reflecting a significant improvement in the situation.
Swift Efforts to Find Missing Persons
The dramatic drop in the number of missing individuals follows diligent work by state and local agencies, who have worked tirelessly to confirm the status of those initially reported as missing.
Many individuals who were once thought to be lost have been confirmed safe and removed from the list. The ongoing efforts have involved extensive follow-up work to verify reports and ensure the well-being of residents affected by the flood.
Kerrville, the county seat of Kerr County, was one of the hardest-hit areas by the historic flooding, located about 60 miles northwest of San Antonio. The swift action from authorities has been praised, with more than 1,000 local, state, and federal officials involved in search and rescue operations.
Continuing Recovery and Search Efforts
Despite the sharp drop in the number of missing individuals, recovery efforts remain ongoing along the Guadalupe River watershed. Local, state, federal, and even international search teams continue to work diligently to find anyone still unaccounted for.
The flash floods killed at least 135 people, many of whom lived along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The region’s naturally dry, dirt-packed soil makes it particularly prone to flash floods, which exacerbates the devastation.
Earlier this week, officials had reduced the missing persons list from about 160 to approximately 100 people, with many of the initial reports later deemed either unsubstantiated or false. Authorities continue to receive reports through a hotline, which has contributed to the fluctuations in the missing persons list.
Damage and Losses in Kerr County
The floods caused severe destruction in the Hill Country, especially in areas along the Guadalupe River. Vacation cabins, youth camps, and campgrounds were devastated, including Camp Mystic, a century-old summer camp for girls.
At least 27 campers and counselors lost their lives, many of whom were among the camp’s youngest attendees.
Legislative Response and Actions
As recovery efforts continue, the Texas Legislature is set to convene on Monday for a special session. Governor Greg Abbott had initially called for lawmakers to address the booming business of THC products, but after the flooding, Abbott has added additional matters to the agenda.
Lawmakers will review the state’s handling of the floods and look into improving early warning systems, which Kerr County currently lacks. Despite calls for accountability, Abbott has been firm in defending local authorities’ response to the disaster.
Moving Forward: Focus on Prevention and Disaster Preparedness
As part of the special session, the Texas Legislature has created committees focused on flooding and disaster preparedness. These committees will visit Kerrville, the hardest-hit area, on July 31 to hear from residents.
There will also be a joint hearing to discuss the state’s response to the floods, disaster planning, flood infrastructure, and communication among first responders.
Additionally, Republican Rep. Don McLaughlin has introduced a bill requiring building standards for youth camps located in 100-year floodplains, aiming to prevent future tragedies. Lawmakers are also planning for stronger flood management and better communication systems to reduce future risks.
State Rep. Drew Darby, part of the committee, emphasized that while lawmakers cannot undo the devastation, they can learn from the flood and work to prevent similar disasters in the future.
