Texas Floods Claim Dozens, Many Still Missing

Search efforts intensify as authorities assess the scale of the disaster.

Tragic flash floods in central Texas have resulted in at least 82 fatalities, including 28 children, and that number is expected to climb. Dozens remain missing as rescue teams continue searching for survivors near the Guadalupe River.

Grim Discovery

“We’re seeing bodies recovered all over, up and down,” said **Kerrville** City Manager **Rice Dalton** Sunday, reflecting the dire situation as search-and-rescue operations centered on locating the missing campers. At least 10 girls attending **Camp Mystic**, an all-girls Christian summer camp, and one counselor are among those still unaccounted for, according to **Kerr County** Sheriff **Larry Leitha**.

Massive Rescue Effort

More than 850 individuals have been rescued in **Kerr County** alone in the first 36 hours, according to **Texas** Gov. **Greg Abbott**. Approximately 400 first responders from more than 20 agencies have been mobilized for rescue and recovery efforts in the affected areas, Sheriff **Leitha** stated.

Federal Response

President **Donald Trump** signed a major disaster declaration for **Kerr County** Sunday morning. **Abbott** has declared Sunday a “day of prayer.” “Relentless” efforts will be made to locate every person affected by this event, according to **Abbott**.

Counties Grapple with Loss

In addition to the deaths in **Kerr County**, local authorities in nearby counties have reported further fatalities. One woman was discovered in a submerged vehicle in **Tom Green County**, while another person was found deceased under a vehicle in **Williamson County**. At least three additional deaths occurred in **Burnet County**, and seven in **Travis County**, according to reports. Two residents were confirmed dead in **Kendall County** as well.

Weather Service Under Scrutiny

**W. Nim Kidd**, director of the **Texas** Division of Emergency Management, has criticized the National Weather Service (NWS) for allegedly underestimating the rainfall. Despite warnings issued prior to the flooding, questions remain about the accuracy of the forecasts.

The NWS, already impacted by previous federal budget cuts, experienced the loss of almost 600 employees. **Homeland Security** Secretary **Kristi Noem** stated that the **Trump** administration will “honor” the disaster declaration issued by **Abbott**.

Unanswered Questions

Despite warnings issued as early as Friday morning, it remains unclear why **Camp Mystic** and other summer camps weren’t evacuated. **Kerrville** City Manager **Rice Dalton** acknowledged this as “a great question,” but did not provide a definitive answer, emphasizing the city’s focus on the ongoing search for missing children.

Concerns Over Future Flooding

The NWS office in **Austin** and **San Antonio** issued a warning shortly after midnight on Monday about the continuing threat of flash flooding in the affected areas. Any further heavy rainfall could lead to “rapid runoff and flash flooding.”

Staffing Levels at the NWS

A representative from the union for NWS employees told CNN that the **Austin** and **San Antonio** offices were adequately staffed, but the **San Antonio** office was missing a coordination meteorologist to work directly with emergency managers. **Noem** said the **Trump** administration aimed to “upgrade” the technology the NWS uses to send alerts.

Some NWS field offices have reported the loss of around-the-clock staffing and reductions in weather balloon launches. Longtime meteorologist **Troy Kimmel** told CBS Austin that local Texas offices such as the Austin/San Antonio office experienced some staffing shortages.

Trump’s Response

**Trump** called the reported deaths “shocking” and pledged federal aid in conjunction with **Abbott**. He has previously advocated for states to take on greater responsibility in managing weather disasters.

Remembering Past Floods

The Guadalupe River has a history of flooding, with a notable incident in 1987 resulting in 10 teenage fatalities and 33 injuries. As Texas and other states approach the peak of the 2025 hurricane season, continued vigilance is crucial. NOAA predicts an above-average Atlantic hurricane season, forecasting 13 to 19 named storms, with six to 10 becoming hurricanes. Already this year, the U.S. has experienced eight weather and climate disaster events, each exceeding $1 billion in damages (NOAA 2024).

Ongoing Threat

The NWS has issued a flood watch for **San Antonio** and surrounding areas, cautioning about the potential for additional rainfall and flash flooding in low-lying regions.