By: TPS Staff
In the early morning hours of July 4th, parts of South-Central Texas experienced catastrophic flash floods, claiming over 133 lives and leaving an unknown amount of people still missing. Recent findings indicate that the number of missing persons has dropped from 100 to just three, thanks to extensive rescue efforts. However as the search continues and more areas are covered, the numbers remain subject to change, making it difficult to provide an exact figure.
As search and rescue efforts continue, Governor Greg Abbott reaffirmed that the state’s primary focus is finding the missing people and providing support to those affected. Abbott noted the coordinated response, with over 2,100 personnel from more than 20 state agencies deployed to assist, alongside grief counseling and disaster recovery services. The state also continues to offer flood response resources and updates to the public.
The federal government also extended its support, with President Donald Trump approving the governor’s request for a federal disaster declaration, thus mobilizing local, state, and federal resources to manage the recovery efforts.
Tuesday, July 2
The Texas Division of Emergency Management activates state emergency resources ahead of potential flooding in West and Central Texas.
Wednesday, July 3
10:48 a.m. The National Weather Service (NWS) raises parts of south-central Texas to a moderate risk for heavy rain.
1:18 p.m. A flood watch is issued for Kerr County and surrounding areas.
6:10 p.m. The NWS warns of storms capable of dropping over 3 inches of rain per hour.
Thursday, July 4 (Independence Day)
1:14 a.m. A flash flood warning is issued for Kerr and Bandera counties.
3:35 a.m. Warning escalates: Residents urged to move to higher ground immediately.
4:03 a.m. A flash flood emergency is declared in south-central Kerr County.
4:35 a.m. First reports of flash flooding surface.
5:57 a.m. The Coast Guard begins sending rescue resources.
7 a.m. Evacuations begin near the Guadalupe River.
10 a.m. Officials confirm multiple fatalities due to catastrophic flooding.
1 p.m. Kerr County officials say this is the worst flood on record, surpassing 1987.
3 p.m. Flash flood emergencies remain active; several major summer camps are affected.
Friday, July 5
3 a.m. Flash flood emergency issued for Lake Travis area due to intense rainfall.
7 a.m. Emergency alerts expanded to include more areas in central Texas.
The Hill Country, especially Kerr County, is a popular tourist destination drawing families and children to outdoor activities and camps such as Camp Mystic. When the heavy rains began, some areas received 15-18 inches of rain in just a few hours, which overwhelmed creeks, streams, and rivers. This extreme rainfall, combined with the steep terrain and shallow soil, resulted in rapid runoff, causing the Guadalupe River to rise from 3 feet to 34 feet in just 90 minutes.
This tragedy occurred in an area known as Flash Flood Alley, a region with a long history of catastrophic flooding. Past floods, such as those in 2002, 1998, 1987, and 1978, have highlighted the region’s vulnerability. Yet, the rapid rise of floodwaters still continues to make it extremely hard for anyone to seek safety before tragedy strikes.
Despite the warnings issued by the National Weather Service (NWS), many residents and campers were unaware of the impending danger. Experts point to a few key reasons for this:
Staff Shortages at NWS: Under the Trump administration, the NWS experienced significant budget cuts and staff reductions, resulting in positions remaining unfilled in the San Angelo and San Antonio offices. This created challenges in coordinating with local authorities and issuing timely updates. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-floods-missing-people-death-toll-climbs/
Emergency Warning Systems: The flood also highlighted the inadequacy of emergency alert systems. Issues like silenced phones, lack of service, and alert fatigue led many to miss critical flood warnings. One key issue in Kerr County is that outdoor flood warning sirens had not been installed, despite years of discussions and plans to do so.
The Trump administration has rejected claims that staffing cuts contributed to the disaster, with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt asserting that NWS provided accurate and timely warnings. Both the White House and Governor Abbott praised the response of local authorities, emphasizing that hundreds of lives were saved through rescue operations despite the immense tragedy. Officials have repeatedly emphasized the immense effort by state agencies, including the deployment of over 2,100 personnel, to conduct rescue operations and provide recovery assistance.
Climate Change and the Future of Flooding in Texas
As the floodwaters recede and recovery begins, questions about the increasing frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events loom large. Experts, including Louis W. Uccellini, a former NWS director, link these extreme rainfall events to global climate change. The warming atmosphere holds more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall, which overwhelms existing infrastructure and flood-control systems.
In Texas, a state already prone to extreme weather, these conditions are becoming more common. As the climate warms, the frequency of extreme precipitation events is expected to rise, further challenging the state’s preparedness and response systems. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and other experts are advocating for updated infrastructure, better planning, and stronger investment to mitigate the impacts of such devastating events.
Relief and Recovery: Ongoing Efforts
Recovery operations continue, not just to rescue survivors, but to assist those who have lost their homes and livelihoods. World Central Kitchen is providing meals and clean water to those in need, and the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund is accepting donations for continued recovery
As search operations persist, many are focusing on how Texas and the U.S. as a whole can improve their emergency response systems. The tragedy has sparked a broader conversation about the nation’s emergency-warning infrastructure and the need for more robust systems to warn vulnerable populations. While much attention will undoubtedly turn to what could have been done differently, for now, the focus remains on recovery and relief.
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