Emergency operations in flood-stricken Kerr County, Texas, suffered a setback on Monday when a privately operated drone collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations, city officials said.
Newsweek reached out to Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. via email for additional comment.
Why It Matters
Over 90 people have died with dozens still missing following the flash flooding on the Guadalupe River. An all-girls camp in Kerr County, Camp Mystic, confirmed over 25 staffers and campers have died following the deadly surge.
Search and rescue missions are ongoing in the region as President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for the area while noting over 800 people have been saved.
What To Know
In a post on Facebook Monday by Kerrville City Hall, officials reiterated that private drones need to be grounded following the collision.
“This afternoon, a private drone illegally operating in restricted airspace collided with a helicopter involved in emergency operations in Kerr County. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing, and a critical piece of response equipment is now out of service until further notice,” the post read.
Continuing, city officials said, “This was entirely preventable.”
“Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are not suggestions. They are federal airspace rules designed to protect lives during emergency situations. When you fly a drone in restricted areas, you’re not just breaking the law — you’re putting first responders, emergency crews, and the public at serious risk,” Kerrville City Hall concluded.
Kerr County Sheriff’s Office gave an update on local flood fatalities on Facebook Monday saying 84 deceased have been found as of 2 p.m. CT.
That number includes 56 adults and 28 children, the sheriff’s office says. Ten campers from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for along with one counselor.
“We ask private boat owners to stay off the Guadalupe River and its tributaries at this time to allow search and rescue teams to operate without interference,” the sheriff’s office also asked.
What People Are Saying
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican, on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday: “In the face of disaster, Texans come together. This is every parent’s nightmare, but we will come through this.”
Trump on Truth Social on Sunday: “I just signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, Texas, to ensure that our Brave First Responders immediately have the resources they need. These families are enduring an unimaginable tragedy, with many lives lost, and many still missing. The Trump Administration continues to work closely with State and Local Leaders. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem was on the ground yesterday with Governor Greg Abbott, who is working hard to help the people of his Great State. Our incredible U.S. Coast Guard, together with State First Responders, have saved more than 850 lives. GOD BLESS THE FAMILIES, AND GOD BLESS TEXAS!”
Texas Governor Greg Abbott on X on Monday: “DPS troopers continue recovery and rescue operations in Kerr County. They have been working day and night. We will not stop until every missing person is found.”
What Happens Next
Emergency search and recovery teams continue to operate in Kerr County and surrounding communities, with federal and state authorities coordinating to address immediate needs.