The flash flooding disaster in Texas is growing more dire, with state officials confirming a sharp increase in both fatalities and missing persons. On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott announced that 161 people are now unaccounted for—quadrupling the figure from just 24 hours earlier. The official death toll has risen to 109, surpassing the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.
Governor Abbott toured the flood-ravaged areas by helicopter and vowed to press on with rescue operations. “We won’t rest until every missing Texan is found,” he declared at a news conference. Officials say these updated numbers reflect data gathered from distressed families and neighbors, and more changes are expected as the crisis unfolds.
Camp Mystic and Kerr County Among the Worst Affected
Kerr County remains the hardest hit, with 87 confirmed deaths. Among the victims are 27 individuals tied to Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian girls’ camp. Five campers are still missing after the Guadalupe River surged over 30 feet during the July 4th storm, catching many by surprise.
Search crews described the scale of destruction as historic—entire neighborhoods have been reduced to wreckage, with uprooted trees, crushed vehicles, and water-damaged homes spread across the region.
Rescue Efforts Continue Across the State
Emergency response units from across Texas have been deployed to assist with search, rescue, and humanitarian aid. Shelters remain open to house displaced families, while state and federal teams coordinate to deliver food, medical care, and supplies.
Governor Abbott, while asked about the state’s emergency alert systems, noted that accountability will be addressed after rescue missions are complete. “Our priority right now is saving lives and helping communities recover,” he said.
Texans Unite in Face of Tragedy
Communities have come together to help however they can—through donations, volunteer work, and support services. Nonprofits and local groups are providing emotional counseling, essential goods, and transportation for families impacted by the floods.
Authorities continue to urge the public to heed official guidance, stay out of flooded areas, and remain alert as conditions evolve and search operations press on.
