161 people missing after devastating Texas floods
- Governor Greg Abbott reported that 161 individuals are missing following severe flooding in Central Texas.
- The number of reported fatalities has risen to 109, surpassing the death toll from Hurricane Harvey.
- Intensive search and rescue operations are ongoing, with a commitment to locating every missing person.
In the aftermath of catastrophic flooding that occurred in early July 2025, parts of Texas have seen a devastating impact. This natural disaster, which particularly affected the Kerr County area, has left 161 people unaccounted for and has resulted in a tragic death toll of 109 confirmed fatalities statewide. Governor Greg Abbott provided a detailed account of the situation, indicating that the number of missing persons could increase as more reports surface. Notably, the floods have caused more casualties in Kerr and Kendall counties than the infamous Hurricane Harvey, which struck the state in August 2017. Five campers and one counselor remain missing from Camp Mystic, a private summer camp that has been deeply affected. The governor mentioned that the community must remain proactive in reporting any missing individuals, urging citizens to contact authorities if they have information. Abbott emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating the commitment to leave no stone unturned until every person is found, highlighting the severity of search and rescue operations ongoing in the region. As part of the recovery efforts, significant resources have been mobilized, including personnel from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard. Over 258 personnel and various rescue teams, including ground search crews, helicopters, and K-9 units, are deployed to ensure thorough search operations. Additionally, rubber boats and drones are being utilized in areas that have been most impacted by floodwaters to conduct rescues and search for missing persons effectively. Mental health support is also being addressed, with multiple organizations providing grief counselors to those affected, as the emotional toll is significant during such harrowing times. Other states have offered support in the recovery efforts, providing essential resources to assist Texas in this challenging period. As the community mourns and begins its recovery, the focus remains on finding every missing person and recovering from the devastation sustained during the floods.