News Summary
Kerr County, Texas, is reeling from catastrophic flash flooding that has led to 24 confirmed deaths, with many more missing, including campers. An unexpected deluge dumped up to 14 inches of rain in some areas, overwhelming emergency services as the search for the missing continues. The flooding has displaced residents, destroyed homes, and prompted evacuations. The National Weather Service has issued warnings about life-threatening flood events, while state officials are mobilizing resources to aid in recovery efforts.
Kerr County, Texas is facing a devastating aftermath as catastrophic flash flooding has left at least 24 people dead, with dozens more missing, including children from a local summer camp. The flooding was triggered by an unexpected deluge, which saw central Kerr County receive between 12 to 14 inches of rain overnight, significantly exceeding forecasts of 4 to 8 inches.
As emergency services continue search and recovery operations, the death toll initially reported at 13 has risen as the extent of the devastation became clearer. The search for missing individuals is ongoing, with family members of those unaccounted for, including 23 campers from Camp Mystic, anxiously awaiting news.
In response to the severe flooding, emergency services have successfully rescued 237 people, with 167 of those rescues conducted via helicopter. State officials have deployed eight helicopters and numerous boats to aid in these efforts. However, the situation remains dire as authorities work to address the widespread destruction caused by the flooding.
The extensive damage includes destroyed homes, campsites, and RV parks, with significant property loss reported across the affected areas. Emergency shelters have been established at various locations, notably at the First United Methodist Church and Kerrville shelters, to accommodate residents who have been displaced due to the flooding.
Bodies of water have surged to alarming levels, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings about a “very dangerous and life-threatening flood event.” The Guadalupe River, in particular, has reached its second-highest recorded level, raising concerns among local authorities. Residents in low-lying areas, especially near the Kendall/Comal County Line along the Guadalupe River, have been urged to evacuate immediately for their safety.
Local authorities have reported significant destruction, including a confirmed fatality in an RV park located in Ingram. Over 2,800 customers are currently experiencing power outages as a result of the flooding, further complicating rescue and recovery efforts. The Texas National Guard, along with the Department of Homeland Security, is assisting in the emergency response.
Governor Greg Abbott has declared a disaster for Kerr County, mobilizing state resources to aid recovery and assist overwhelmed local services. In light of the chaos, officials have emphasized the importance of safety precautions, urging residents to avoid travel to allow emergency response vehicles to operate efficiently.
The flooding’s impacts have been exacerbated by a lack of adequate warning systems, which local officials state contributed to the scale of the disaster. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that this flooding event has far surpassed notable flooding that the area experienced in July 1987.
As search-and-rescue efforts transition into recovery mode in certain areas, the focus has shifted to locating and identifying victims. Families of those missing are encouraged to reach out to the American Red Cross for assistance during this challenging time.
Emergency Management authorities continue to stress the critical nature of adhering to safety protocols, explicitly warning against driving or walking through flooded areas to prevent further tragedies.
The ongoing crisis in Kerr County underscores the urgent need for effective emergency response and preparedness strategies in communities vulnerable to natural disasters. As the search for missing individuals and the recovery of victims progresses, the impact of this catastrophic flooding will be felt long after the waters recede.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Catastrophic Flooding Claims Lives and Traps Campers in Kerrville
Catastrophic Flooding in Kerr County, Texas
Catastrophic Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas
Devastating Flooding in Kerr County Leaves 24 Dead
Severe Weather Alerts Issued for South Texas Regions
San Antonio Faces Severe Thunderstorm Risks Overnight
Severe Thunderstorms Cause Damage in San Antonio
Severe Hailstorms Hit San Antonio Causing Major Disruptions
Severe Storms Cause Havoc in San Antonio and Hill Country
Severe Thunderstorms Bring Rain and Hail to San Antonio
Additional Resources
- ABC News on Kerr County Flooding
- Wikipedia: Flash Flood
- Austin Statesman on Hill Country Devastation
- Google Search: Kerr County Flooding
- KXAN Coverage on Kerr County Flood
- Google Scholar: Flood Disaster Management
- KSAT: Severe Flooding in Kerr County
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Flooding
- FOX 7 Austin on Search and Rescue Efforts
- Google News: Texas Flooding
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
