Only three people remain missing after deadly July 4 floods in Texas killed 135, as officials confirm most of the 160 initially missing are now safe.
Flood Recovery Brings New Hope in Texas
The number of individuals still missing after catastrophic floods struck central Texas has dropped to just three, down from an initial 160, local officials confirmed Saturday evening. The floods, triggered by intense rainfall on July 4, left at least 135 people dead, including dozens of children at a summer camp near the Guadalupe River.
Massive Search Effort Yields Results
According to officials in Kerrville—the city at the epicentre of the disaster—hundreds of federal, state, and local responders collaborated over several days to locate those feared missing. Search teams, aided by drones, K-9 units, and data from emergency contacts, were able to account for the majority, reuniting them with loved ones.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice commended the effort, saying it required “countless hours of coordinated operations, investigative work, and a commitment to clarity for families.”
Summer Camp Devastated by Flash Flood
One of the most tragic scenes unfolded at Camp Mystic, a Christian all-girls summer camp along the banks of the Guadalupe River. At least 27 children and staff members drowned when the river surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The camp was reportedly caught off guard by the speed and severity of the flooding, which struck in the pre-dawn hours.
Questions Raised About Early Warnings
In the aftermath, questions emerged about the timeliness and adequacy of flood warnings. Some parents and local residents expressed concerns over the lack of evacuation orders and the patchy cell service in the area, which may have delayed life-saving alerts. Emergency management officials have pledged a full review of the warning systems and communication protocols.
Community Response and Federal Support
President Donald Trump visited the affected areas last week, offering condolences and federal support. While acknowledging the devastation, he avoided addressing criticisms regarding early warnings and evacuation delays, instead praising rescue crews and pledging disaster relief.
Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring, Jr. expressed solidarity with the community, stating, “Our thoughts remain with the families still awaiting news. We will continue to stand with them.”
Deadliest Flood in Recent Texas History
The July 4 event is now one of the deadliest floods in Texas in recent memory. Experts attribute the scale of the disaster to several factors: an unprecedented rainfall event, vulnerable riverside locations, early morning timing, and a lack of centralized emergency communication.
As recovery operations wind down, Texas officials are shifting focus to rebuilding infrastructure, mental health support, and implementing stronger early warning systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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