UPDATE: In a significant development following the devastating July Fourth floods, Texas officials confirmed that more than 160 people initially reported missing along the Guadalupe River have been accounted for, with only three individuals still unaccounted for. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly announced this at a special county commission meeting on Monday, revealing that most of the missing were tourists who had left the area without notifying authorities.
The flash floods, which surged rapidly, resulted in at least 135 fatalities across Texas, with the majority of deaths occurring in Kerr County, approximately 60 miles northwest of San Antonio. The Guadalupe River’s waters rose an astonishing 26 feet (8 meters), sweeping away buildings and vehicles. Judge Kelly described the recovery effort as a “Herculean effort,” emphasizing the challenges faced in verifying the status of those missing.
Kerrville police spokesperson Jonathan Lamb stated that the chaotic aftermath of the floods led to hundreds of missing reports through a hotline and email. The urgent need for accurate information was paramount for affected families and the integrity of the emergency response system. “We understand how critical it is to report this information accurately,” Lamb noted.
This drastic revision of the missing persons count follows a familiar pattern seen in large-scale disasters. Past events, such as the 2023 Maui fire and the 2018 California wildfire, have shown that initial missing counts often decline significantly as investigations progress.
The Hill Country region, a favorite destination for tourists seeking the beauty of the Guadalupe River, has been left reeling. Among the casualties are at least 27 campers and counselors from Camp Mystic, a historic summer camp for girls. The floods exceeded expectations set by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, catching many residents off guard due to a lack of warning systems.
As of July 14, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the number of missing individuals across the state had been lowered to around 100. He acknowledged the complexities of tracking down missing persons in the aftermath of such a disaster, particularly as many may have been reported missing by friends or family.
In Travis County, which includes Austin, fatalities from the floods reached at least 10, with one individual still listed as missing. Authorities are actively working to verify sightings of this individual, employing diverse methods to track down those unaccounted for.
The urgency surrounding the search efforts underscores the emotional toll on families and communities affected by the floods. As officials continue to refine their lists of missing persons, the focus remains on ensuring that every individual is accounted for in this tragic situation.
This is a developing story. Follow us for updates as more information becomes available.
