KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — A Texas hill country community devastated by deadly flooding on July 4 has reported that just three people are still missing, a significant decrease from the nearly 100 initially unaccounted for. This update comes as previously missing individuals have been located and are safe.
The search for victims has now entered its third week, with the number of missing individuals in Kerr County dropping from over 160 to only three. The death toll in Kerr County stands at 107, with no new fatalities reported in recent days despite ongoing search efforts.
Flash floods over the Fourth of July holiday weekend claimed the lives of at least 135 people in Texas, with the majority of deaths occurring along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County. The region’s susceptibility to flash flooding is attributed to its dry, soil that cannot absorb heavy rainfall.
Vacation cabins, youth camps, and campgrounds along the riverbanks and hills of Kerr County were severely impacted by the floods. Camp Mystic, a long-standing Christian summer camp for girls in the area, tragically lost at least 27 campers and counselors in the disaster.
Kerrville officials have faced scrutiny regarding the adequacy of warnings issued to residents about the rising water on July 4. City Manager Dalton Rice expressed gratitude for the coordinated search and rescue efforts that have led to the recent progress in locating missing individuals.
