Texas Floods Claim 135 Lives, Officials Face Scrutiny Over Warning Response
Devastating July 4 Texas floods claimed 135 lives, 107 in Kerr County, as the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet. Officials face scrutiny over their warning response.
Number of people missing from Texas floods drops to three from high of 160
New York Daily News
Overview
- The July 4 floods in Texas resulted in a statewide death toll of 135, with 107 fatalities concentrated in Kerr County, a popular Hill Country tourist destination.
- The Guadalupe River in Kerr County rose an unprecedented 26 feet, causing widespread destruction and claiming at least 27 lives among campers and staff at Camp Mystic.
- The flood's severity far exceeded predictions, proving significantly worse than the anticipated 100-year event, with floodwaters reaching two stories deep in some affected areas.
- The number of individuals reported missing in the Texas floods dramatically decreased from an initial high of nearly 100 statewide to just three remaining in Kerr County.
- Local officials are currently facing intense scrutiny regarding their handling of initial flood warnings and their overall response to the rapidly rising and devastating floodwaters.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the Texas flood recovery by emphasizing the significant reduction in missing persons, attributing this positive outcome to the "extensive follow-up work" and "extraordinary efforts" of state and local agencies. This collective editorial choice highlights the effectiveness and dedication of authorities in managing the crisis.
"The number of people missing in Texas after devastating floods hit the state has dropped from 160 people to three, officials said."
BBC News"Just three people remain missing — down from nearly 100 at last count — since the Texas Hill Country was pounded by massive flooding on July 4, officials said Saturday."
Fortune"Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three."
ABC News"The reduction in the number of people on the missing list came as the search for victims entered its third week."
NPR"The number of people reported missing in the wake of historic July 4 flooding in Kerr County, Texas, has dropped from a peak of more than 160 to three, with many now verified as being safe, officials said Saturday."
NBC News"The reduction in the number of people on the missing list came as the search for victims entered its third week."
ABC News"The number of people thought to be missing in the devastating floods in Kerr County, Texas, over the Fourth of July holiday weekend has been revised down from at least 97 to three, officials announced July 19."
USA TODAYArticles (14)
Center (7)
FAQ
The flooding was caused by the Guadalupe River rising an unprecedented 26 feet due to heavy rains, resulting in widespread destruction especially in Kerr County.
Officials are facing intense scrutiny because the flood warnings and response were considered inadequate given the severity of the floods, which were far worse than predicted and caught many people off guard, including campers at Camp Mystic.
The number of missing persons has dramatically decreased from nearly 100 statewide to just three remaining in Kerr County after many people were found safe or accounted for.
Kerr County suffered 107 fatalities out of the total 135 deaths statewide, making it the hardest hit area during the July 4 Texas floods.
Texas legislative committees have scheduled hearings to investigate the floods and the officials' handling of the warning response, with the first hearing occurring on July 23, 2025.
History
- 21d
8 articles