The toll of dead in Kerr County rose to 87 on Tuesday as rescue and search operations remained underway in the flood-affected central Texas, reports county officials worst affected by the calamity that has claimed over 100 lives.
Guadalupe River Overflows, Wreaks Havoc Across Texas Hill Country
Torrential rains overnight on Friday inundated the Guadalupe River, which broke its banks and claimed dozens of lives, leaving behind crushed heaps of wreckage, trees and automobiles. At least 56 adults and 30 children were killed in Kerr County, Sheriff Larry Leitha reported at a press conference, with over two dozen victims still unidentified. Authorities have yet to ascertain whether the 87th victim was an adult or child.
Some victims were on summer break at Camp Mystic along the banks of the river, and five kids and one camp counsellor were missing on Tuesday. Local authorities have been subjected to ire for whether or not they could have alerted people earlier about hazardous flash floods in Texas Hill Country.
Rescue Operations Continue Amid Dangerous Weather in Texas
Rescue teams from neighboring states and Mexico have joined local efforts to search for survivors, which have been hindered by thunderstorms. “The work is extremely treacherous, time-consuming,” Lieutenant Colonel Ben Baker of the Texas Game Wardens said at the press conference. “It’s dirty work. The water is still there.”
U.S. President Donald Trump plans to visit the devastated region this week, a spokesperson said.
Federal Relief Efforts Begin as Officials Warn of Further Risk
In the aftermath of the disaster, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has begun coordinating relief operations with Texas state officials. Temporary shelters have been set up in nearby counties for displaced residents, while medical teams continue to treat dozens for flood-related injuries, including hypothermia and trauma.
Experts have warned that the flood may go down as one of the deadliest natural disasters in the state’s history. Officials have urged people to avoid returning to flooded zones due to the risk of contaminated water and weakened infrastructure. The National Weather Service has issued continued warnings for central Texas as rain is expected to persist over the coming days.