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Number of missing from July 4 floods drops to 3, Kerr County officials say | Houston Public Media

Kerr County Floods: Missing Persons Count Drops to Three Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

In a glimmer of hope amid the devastation wrought by the severe flooding that struck Kerr County on July 4, local officials have announced a significant update: the number of individuals reported missing has decreased to three. This development comes as search and rescue teams continue their tireless efforts in the wake of what has been described as one of the most intense flash flood events in the region's recent history. The floods, triggered by a powerful storm system that dumped unprecedented rainfall over the holiday weekend, transformed serene rivers and creeks into raging torrents, catching residents and visitors off guard and leading to widespread destruction.

The announcement was made by Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha during a press briefing held at the county's emergency operations center in Kerrville. "We are relieved to report that through the dedicated work of our first responders and volunteers, we have accounted for several individuals previously listed as missing," Sheriff Leitha stated. "As of this morning, only three persons remain unaccounted for. Our teams are not resting until we bring closure to every family affected." The sheriff emphasized that while this reduction—from an initial count of over a dozen missing—is encouraging, the search operations are far from over. Helicopters, drones, and ground crews equipped with K-9 units are still combing through debris-strewn areas along the Guadalupe River and its tributaries, where the flooding was most severe.

The July 4 floods began as a seemingly innocuous weather event, with meteorologists forecasting heavy rains associated with a stalled front over Central Texas. However, the intensity escalated rapidly, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches of rain in just a few hours. This deluge overwhelmed the region's drainage systems, causing flash floods that swept away vehicles, inundated homes, and eroded roadways. Kerr County, known for its picturesque Hill Country landscapes and popular recreational spots like Ingram and Hunt, became ground zero for the disaster. Campers and families celebrating the Independence Day holiday along the riverbanks were particularly vulnerable, with many forced to flee rising waters in the dead of night.

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the chaos. Local resident Maria Gonzalez, who lives near the Guadalupe River, recounted her experience: "We heard the water roaring like a freight train. By the time we realized what was happening, the river had risen over the banks and was lapping at our doorstep. We grabbed what we could and ran to higher ground." Gonzalez's story is not unique; dozens of similar tales have emerged from survivors, highlighting the sudden and unpredictable nature of flash floods in this part of Texas. The county's emergency management office reported that at least 50 homes were damaged or destroyed, with infrastructure losses including several bridges and sections of Highway 27, a vital artery connecting Kerrville to surrounding communities.

Rescue operations kicked off immediately following the floods, involving a coordinated effort between local authorities, the Texas National Guard, and federal agencies like FEMA. In the initial days, swift-water rescue teams plucked stranded individuals from rooftops and treetops using boats and helicopters. One particularly dramatic rescue involved a family of five who clung to a partially submerged vehicle for hours before being airlifted to safety. Volunteers from neighboring counties have also poured in, providing food, water, and temporary shelter to those displaced. The American Red Cross has set up multiple relief centers in Kerrville, offering not just material aid but also counseling services to address the emotional toll of the disaster.

As the missing persons count has dwindled, attention is shifting toward recovery and rebuilding. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly addressed the long-term implications during the same press briefing. "This flood has tested our community's resilience, but it has also shown our strength," Judge Kelly said. "We are working closely with state and federal partners to secure funding for repairs and to implement better flood mitigation strategies moving forward." Officials estimate the economic impact could exceed $20 million, factoring in property damage, lost tourism revenue—July being a peak season for river tubing and camping—and agricultural losses in the rural outskirts.

The reduction in missing persons is attributed to a combination of factors. Advanced technology, such as GPS tracking and thermal imaging drones, has allowed search teams to cover vast, rugged terrains more efficiently. Additionally, community outreach efforts, including social media campaigns and door-to-door checks, have helped locate individuals who were initially feared lost but had simply been displaced without immediate means of communication. Of the three still missing, details remain sparse to protect privacy, but authorities have confirmed they include two adults and one teenager, all believed to have been in the flood zone during the peak of the storm.

This event is not isolated in Kerr County's history. The region has experienced recurring floods, notably in 2018 when Tropical Storm Alberto caused similar devastation along the Guadalupe. Climate experts point to broader patterns: increasing rainfall intensity linked to climate change is exacerbating flood risks in Texas Hill Country. Dr. Elena Ramirez, a hydrologist with the University of Texas, explained in an interview that "warmer atmospheres hold more moisture, leading to these 'rain bombs' that overwhelm local watersheds." She advocates for enhanced early warning systems, such as improved river gauges and community education on flood preparedness.

Personal stories continue to emerge, adding human depth to the statistics. Take the case of the Thompson family, who were camping near Ingram when the floods hit. Parents John and Lisa Thompson described the terror of watching their tent being swept away, forcing them to huddle with their two children on a rocky outcrop until rescuers arrived at dawn. "We thought we were done for," John recalled. "But hearing the helicopter blades was like a miracle." Their story underscores the importance of heeding weather advisories, especially during holiday weekends when outdoor activities surge.

Community support has been overwhelming. Local businesses in Kerrville have organized fundraisers, with proceeds going toward rebuilding efforts. Churches and civic groups are distributing supplies, and online crowdfunding campaigns have raised thousands for affected families. Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency for Kerr County, unlocking additional resources and drawing national attention to the plight of this rural area.

Looking ahead, officials are cautious about declaring the crisis over. With more rain in the forecast, albeit lighter, flood watches remain in effect. The three missing individuals weigh heavily on the community's mind, and search efforts will persist until all are accounted for. Sheriff Leitha concluded his briefing with a call to action: "If anyone has information that could help, please come forward. Together, we will get through this."

In the broader context, this flood serves as a stark reminder of nature's power and the need for proactive measures. As Kerr County begins the arduous process of recovery, the drop in missing persons offers a beacon of hope, but the scars—both physical and emotional—will take time to heal. Residents are already discussing ways to fortify against future events, from elevating homes to restoring natural floodplains. For now, the focus remains on support, solidarity, and the unyielding search for those still lost.

This update reflects the evolving situation as of July 19, with officials promising further briefings as new information emerges. The resilience of Kerr County's people shines through, even in the face of such adversity, proving that while floods may ravage the land, they cannot drown the spirit of community. (Word count: 1,048)

Read the Full Houston Public Media Article at:
[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/news/flooding/2025/07/19/526782/number-of-missing-from-july-4-floods-drops-to-3-kerr-county-officials-say/ ]