News Summary
Emergency recovery operations in Kerr County, Texas, have been suspended due to a renewed flood threat. With at least 161 individuals still unaccounted for following severe flash flooding, authorities are monitoring conditions closely. Despite ongoing rescue efforts in neighboring counties, the dangers posed by the San Saba River and rising water levels complicate operations. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has expanded disaster declarations, and memorials are being established in honor of the flooding victims. The community faces challenges, but efforts to reunite families and honor the deceased continue.
Kerr County, Texas – Emergency recovery efforts in Kerr County have been suspended due to a renewed flood threat as of July 13, 2025. Authorities, including the Kerr County sheriff’s office, anticipate that recovery operations may resume in the afternoon after monitoring weather conditions closely. The renewed flooding has heightened risks, complicating ongoing search operations for at least 161 missing individuals who were unaccounted for in the aftermath of severe flash flooding triggered by intense storms since July 4.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that rescue operations remain active in neighbouring San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher Counties. In light of dangerous water levels, evacuations are ongoing in various Central Texas areas, with a particular focus on rising water levels in Kerrville, which has experienced the most significant flooding within Kerr County.
Officials highlighted a serious flooding threat posed by the San Saba River. Predictions indicate that water levels may rise above 30 inches, and forecasts suggest that the river will peak faster and higher than during the disastrous July 4 storms. A flash flood warning was issued early on July 13, cautioning residents of the potential dangers associated with rapidly rising waters. Rainfall has been estimated at rates between 1 to 2.5 inches per hour.
Despite the issuance of flash flood warnings expiring at 12:15 p.m. local time, the flood watch is still in effect and will last until 9 a.m. on the following Monday. The Kerrville police department communicated that search operations had been placed on hold before 8 a.m. due to the hazardous flood conditions, urging local residents to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary and to remain cautious near low water crossings, which may trap individuals.
The catastrophic flooding across Central Texas has led to a tragic death toll of at least 132 state-wide, with 166 additional people reported as unaccounted for. In particular, floods in Hunt caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, leading to the reported deaths of at least 103 individuals across the county, including many children from Camp Mystic.
Rapid river rises have also impacted travel and safety procedures across the region. In Lampasas, officials reported that “dozens” have been rescued. However, complications in recovery efforts persist due to adverse weather conditions. These operations involve extensive coordinating with volunteers, drones, and search dogs.
The state’s response to the crisis has also come under scrutiny. Concerns have emerged regarding proactive measures taken by officials in preparation for expected flood risks, and growing frustration over the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) slow response to the crisis has been expressed by state officials and search teams alike.
In response to the ongoing situation, Governor Abbott expanded a federal disaster declaration on July 11 to encompass more counties affected by the flooding. Moreover, a meeting is set for Kerr County commissioners to evaluate recovery strategies, address budget concerns, and discuss lessons learned from the flooding event.
Memorials have been established in Kerrville to honor the victims of the flooding, reflecting the community’s solidarity and mourning during this tragic time. Although the recovery efforts face numerous challenges, the commitment to reuniting families and honoring those lost remains a priority for the community and state authorities.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: Kerr County, Texas
- CBS News
- Google Search: Texas flooding July 2025
- Fox Weather
- Google Scholar: Texas flooding 2025 impacts
- CNN
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kerr County flooding
- KSAT
- Google News: Texas flooding July 2025
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