Texas officials have dramatically reduced the number of people reported missing from the catastrophic July 4th floods in Kerr County from over 160 individuals down to just three people, according to a press release from the Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center.
Why It Matters
This substantial reduction in missing persons represents a major breakthrough in the aftermath of one of Texas’s deadliest natural disasters this year. The historic flooding event killed at least 135 people statewide over the July 4 weekend, making it crucial for authorities to accurately account for all individuals in affected areas.
The revised count provides significant relief to families and communities while allowing search and rescue operations to focus resources more effectively on the remaining three missing persons.
What To Know
The Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center announced the significant revision on Saturday evening following extensive verification efforts by state and local agencies. Through coordinated follow-up work, investigators confirmed that many individuals initially reported as missing have been verified as safe and removed from the official list.
The flooding primarily impacted areas along the Guadalupe River in central Texas, triggering massive search operations through mud and debris. The verification process involved more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities working to confirm the status of individuals reported missing.
Recovery teams have faced immense challenges following the deadly floods with efforts being complicated by poor visibility, debris-filled rivers, and limited resources.
“Teams have been working on foot from the headwaters of the Guadalupe River to Canyon Lake and back, focused on recovering loved ones and bringing their families closure,” Kerr County wrote on Friday in an update on Facebook.
Victims include families caught off guard by the flash floods. In Kerr County, communities suffered harrowing losses while 27 children and counselors from Camp Mystic died.
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What People Are Saying
Dalton Rice, Kerrville City Manager, wrote in a statement: “We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state, and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community. Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three.”
Rice continued: “This remarkable progress reflects countless hours of coordinated search and rescue operations, careful investigative work, and an unwavering commitment to bringing clarity and hope to families during an unimaginably difficult time.”
Rob Kelly, Kerr County Judge: “To every member of law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency management, and supporting agencies — thank you. Your dedication, professionalism, and compassion have brought comfort and answers to so many.”
Joe Herring Jr., Kerrville Mayor: “Our thoughts remain with the families still awaiting news, and we will continue to stand with them as efforts persist.”
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What Happens Next
Search and rescue operations will continue focusing on locating the three remaining missing individuals. Authorities maintain their commitment to ongoing recovery efforts along the Guadalupe River watershed, utilizing multiple agencies and specialized teams.