Recovery operations in flood-stricken Central Texas were halted again Sunday as new storms brought fresh flood dangers to already devastated areas. Kerr County, the epicenter of deadly July 4 flash flooding, temporarily suspended search efforts amid rising waters and renewed weather warnings.
The flooding, which caused the Guadalupe River to surge more than 20 feet in under an hour earlier this month, killed at least 103 people in Kerr County alone—many of them children attending Camp Mystic. Statewide, the death toll has risen to 132, with 166 individuals still unaccounted for.
On Sunday, emergency crews resumed limited recovery operations in western Kerr County around 3 p.m. after floodwaters briefly receded. However, local authorities warned that the threat remains serious, and flash flood alerts remained in place for multiple counties through Monday morning.
Gov. Greg Abbott said active rescues were underway in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher Counties, with evacuations ongoing as rivers continue to rise. Dozens have already been rescued in Lampasas. In San Saba County, the river is expected to rise faster and higher than it did on July 4.
Police in Kerrville paused ground searches early Sunday morning due to dangerous conditions near the Guadalupe River. Officials urged all volunteer crews to evacuate river corridors immediately.
Heavy weekend rains—falling at rates of 1 to 2.5 inches per hour—have saturated the region. Low water crossings, which were a deadly hazard during the initial flood, are again under threat. Officials warn that even brief attempts to cross flooded areas could be fatal.
Gov. Abbott expanded the federal disaster declaration Friday to include additional counties. Search efforts, aided by drones, dogs, and volunteers, continue despite harsh terrain and shifting weather conditions.
Source: CBS