At least 161 individuals remain missing in Kerr County, Texas, four days after catastrophic flash floods severely impacted the region, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The calamity has claimed at least 109 lives, with a staggering 94 fatalities occurring within the Kerrville area alone. As search and rescue operations continue, the situation grows increasingly dire for the families of those unaccounted for, including five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp nestled along the Guadalupe River.
While the probing efforts are robust—with aerial support from 13 Black Hawk helicopters—questions are also being raised about the timeliness of the flood warnings that were issued prior to the disaster. General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas National Guard emphasized the comprehensive response, combining police and federal agencies, but rescuers are faced with substantial challenges navigating the vast destruction.
Volunteers described the devastation as unprecedented, likening search efforts to "finding a single hay in a haystack." Survivors are also beginning to recount harrowing tales of loss and resilience. Justin Brown, a resident whose mobile home was swept away, expressed hope in rebuilding once the waters recede.
Meanwhile, the crisis extends beyond Texas, as neighboring New Mexico faces its own flood emergency, with residents in Ruidoso warned of severe flooding conditions. As authorities conduct additional rescue operations, the National Weather Service has issued warnings, highlighting a growing national concern over severe weather events.
In a visit planned this Friday, President Donald Trump is expected to view the flood-affected regions firsthand, emphasizing the federal response in these trying times. Local officials continue to assess the impact and devise emergency strategies for affected communities as the search for the missing intensifies amid fears of further fatalities.
