KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) — On Monday, search and rescue crews were set to resume their operations for victims of the catastrophic flooding in Texas, which has claimed at least 132 lives. Heavy rains had temporarily halted search efforts along the Guadalupe River, necessitating high-water rescues in other areas and raising concerns that waterways could surge once again.
This pause marked the first time that the rescue efforts for victims of the July Fourth floods were interrupted by severe weather. Authorities suspect that more than 160 individuals may still be missing in Kerr County alone, with an additional 10 reported missing in surrounding areas.
As fears of rising waters escalated, local officials in Kerrville found themselves under scrutiny regarding whether residents were adequately warned about the surging waters during the early morning hours of July 4. In response to the renewed threat, authorities went door-to-door in certain neighborhoods just after midnight on Sunday, warning residents about the possibility of further flooding and pushing out phone alerts to those in the vicinity.
During the lull in search operations, the Ingram Fire Department directed crews to evacuate the Guadalupe River corridor in Kerr County, noting a heightened risk for flash floods. By late Sunday afternoon, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced that search efforts in the western part of the county could resume. Rescue teams from the Ingram Fire Department planned to continue their operations on Monday morning, according to agency spokesperson Brian Lochte.
Governor Greg Abbott detailed on social media that rescues had successfully been executed for dozens of people across San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties. Additionally, evacuations were occurring in other critical areas. The latest flooding has caused damage to approximately 100 homes and downed extensive lengths of cattle fencing, as reported by Ashley Johnson, CEO of the Hill Country Community Action Association, a nonprofit located in San Saba.
Johnson emphasized the extent of damages across the rural community, stating, “Anything you can imagine in a rural community was damaged.” She also expressed gratitude that the severe weather occurred during daylight hours, which allowed for better preparedness. With more rain anticipated, county officials mandated evacuations for residents living in flood-prone areas near the San Saba River, relocating individuals to the San Saba Civic Center.
The adverse weather conditions stemmed from a wide-ranging system that brought slow-moving storms and multiple rounds of heavy rain, causing rivers and streams to overflow their banks. Emergency crews were actively engaged elsewhere in Texas, rescuing a stranded driver caught in waist-deep rapids over a submerged bridge on the Bosque River.
In Sonora, a city in West Texas located about 110 miles (177 kilometers) northwest of Kerrville, authorities also initiated evacuations in response to rising floodwaters impacting several neighborhoods.
As rainfall continued to wreak havoc, residents like Matthew Stone took proactive measures, clearing storm sewers in front of their homes in Kerrville. Reflecting on the situation, Stone felt reassured by the presence of law enforcement and the alerts being issued. “The cops have been coming back and forth, we’re getting lots of alerts, we’re getting a lot of support,” he said.
On July 4, the Guadalupe River experienced destructive, fast-moving waters that surged 26 feet (8 meters), washing away houses and vehicles. Since that fateful night, rescuers have employed helicopters, boats, and drones in efforts to locate missing individuals. The floods have devastated the Hill Country region of Texas, an area known for its vacation cabins, youth camps, and campgrounds, including the notable Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp.
Camp Mystic, situated in a low-lying region along the Guadalupe River, faced significant losses, reporting at least 27 campers and counselors unaccounted for. Experts noted that the scale of the flooding far exceeded what the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated as a 100-year event, which struck rapidly and unexpectedly during the night, catching many off guard in a county that lacked a proper warning system.
