According to the reports on Monday (14 July), Catastrophic flooding in Texas has claimed the lives of at least 132 people, with search and rescue operations ongoing, especially in Kerr County where over 160 individuals are still reported missing. Efforts were temporarily halted due to more severe weather that caused high water rescues and prompted new evacuation orders, particularly along the Guadalupe River. This marked the first pause in the search since the floods began.
In Kerrville and surrounding areas, emergency responders went door-to-door and sent phone alerts to warn residents of potential flash floods. Ingram Fire Department ordered the evacuation of the Guadalupe River corridor due to rising waters, but later resumed search operations. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed ongoing rescues in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties, as new flooding damaged about 100 homes and destroyed essential rural infrastructure.
The widespread storm system brought slow-moving, intense rainfall that swelled rivers and streams, affecting a large portion of Texas. In the north, emergency crews rescued a stranded motorist on a flooded bridge over the Bosque River, while in Sonora, authorities ordered evacuations due to rising water. Communities along the San Saba River were moved to the local civic center for safety.
The July 4th floods were devastating, with the Guadalupe River rising 26 feet overnight and destroying homes, vehicles, and summer camps. At Camp Mystic, a historic all-girls camp, at least 27 people were lost. Experts said the flooding exceeded the severity of a 100-year event and overwhelmed areas lacking effective warning systems. Residents like Matthew Stone in Kerrville praised local police for their support, but the region remains on high alert with more rain forecast.
References
Texas Flood Search Resumes as Officials Warn of More Rain and Rising Rivers Across Counties
