Texas Governor Abbott Confirms at Least 161 People Still Missing After Devastating Flood

| Published July 10, 2025

Over the July Fourth weekend, a catastrophic flash flood struck Central Texas—particularly Kerr County and the Hill Country—triggered by torrential downpours that overwhelmed the normally peaceful Guadalupe River. The surge, reported at nearly 30 feet in places within an hour, swept away campgrounds, homes, RV parks, and cabins. As recovery operations intensify, communities reel from the emotional and physical devastation.

The Human Toll: Lives Lost & Families Torn Apart

• At least 109 confirmed dead across Central Texas, including over 95 fatalities in Kerr County alone

• Among the deceased were 27 girls and counselors from Camp Mystic, an all‑girls Christian summer camp swept by violent currents

• Statewide, more than 160 people remain missing, with Kerr County alone accounting for around 161 individuals unaccounted for. Some sources even estimate up to 173 missing , underscoring the growing scope of the crisis.

Stories from the Frontlines

• Survivor testimony: Leo Romero Jr., 19, survived by clinging to debris—his father, stepmother, and 2‑year‑old brother remain missing

• At Blue Oak RV Park, the owner watched as RVs—occupied by families—were swept away; the site lost eight lives with over 40 missing in a single campground.

Search & Rescue: A Race Against Time

• Thousands of volunteers, first responders, Texas Game Wardens and even canine teams are continuing day-and-night recovery efforts along a 30–60 mile stretch of the Guadalupe River.

• Methodical operations now dominate, involving airboats, helicopters, drones, heavy machinery, and cadaver dogs—despite challenging conditions of heat, mud, and debris.

Warning Systems Under Scrutiny

• Critics question why no flood sirens or emergency system were in place—despite long-pending funding proposals since 2016—and warn that rural Hill Country has lacked adequate alerts

• Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly defended the lack of alerts, citing high costs and local resistance.  Meanwhile, lawmakers are preparing for a special legislative session starting July 21 to pass disaster warning and response measures

Federal & State Response

• Governor Greg Abbott announced disaster unemployment assistance through September and convened a special session to bolster disaster readiness. He pledged unwavering search efforts

• President Trump signed a federal disaster declaration and plans to visit the devastated communities

• Federal aid—including FEMA deployment—has joined state and local forces, while public and private sector partners are mobilizing relief efforts.

 Resulting Effects:

⚠️ 1. Humanitarian Effects

• Mass Casualties & Trauma:

  • At least 109 confirmed dead and over 160 people still missing (as of July 10), making this one of Texas’s deadliest floods in modern history.

  • Multiple children and young adults perished, especially from Camp Mystic, which suffered heavy loss.

  • Survivors, like 19-year-old Leo Romero Jr., lost entire families, leading to widespread mental health trauma.

• Displacement & Homelessness:

  • Hundreds of homes, trailers, cabins, and RV parks were obliterated, leaving dozens of families homeless.

  • Temporary shelters were overwhelmed, and affected individuals are relying heavily on churches, volunteers, and donation drives.

💸 2. Economic Fallout

• Property Damage:

  • Entire communities like Blue Oak RV Park were destroyed. Some sources estimate tens of millions in property damage, including public infrastructure like roads and bridges.

• Business Losses:

  • Summer camps, tourism cabins, and RV parks that typically thrive during July were wiped out.

  • Agricultural damage is likely in surrounding counties, as rain runoff and flooding destroyed crops and livestock holdings.

• Unemployment Spike:

  • Governor Abbott authorized Disaster Unemployment Assistance through September, anticipating a wave of job losses from shuttered businesses and damaged facilities.

🌿 3. Environmental Impacts

• Erosion and Debris:

  • Flash floods eroded riverbanks and hillsides, disrupting ecosystems in and along the Guadalupe River.

  • Thousands of tons of debris, including building materials, propane tanks, and RV remains, are now polluting the river system.

• Water Contamination:

  • Overflow from septic tanks, chemicals from destroyed RVs, and corpses in the water created public health concerns about waterborne diseases and toxic exposure.

• Wildlife Displacement:

  • Local fauna were forced out of natural habitats or killed in the flood currents. Aquatic life faces serious harm from pollutants.

🏛️ 4. Political & Institutional Consequences

• Statewide Legislative Action:

  • The disaster reignited debate over Texas’s refusal to install flood sirens or alerts in rural areas. Lawmakers now plan a special session on July 21 to pass emergency warning legislation.

• Federal Involvement:

  • A federal disaster declaration was signed by President Trump, unlocking funding from FEMA and accelerating the need for bipartisan disaster planning.

• Blame & Accountability:

  • Criticism is mounting over years of inaction despite warnings from flood experts since at least 2016.

  • Kerr County officials and Governor Abbott face scrutiny for prioritizing other legislative items over rural safety measures.

🤝 5. Societal & Community Response

• Mass Volunteer Mobilization:

  • Thousands of volunteers and private organizations have stepped in to provide food, temporary housing, and recovery support.

• Faith-Based Resilience:

  • Churches and Christian groups have become centers of both mourning and action, holding vigils, funeral services, and organizing search parties.

• Increased Public Awareness:

  • The tragedy is fostering a new wave of concern for climate readiness, emergency communication, and rural infrastructure investment across Texas and beyond.

 Bottom Line: 

The Camp Mystic Texas floods have left a permanent scar on the heart of the state—claiming over 100 lives, displacing entire families, and exposing deep cracks in disaster preparedness. What began as heavy summer rains turned into a catastrophic event, catching communities off guard in the absence of timely alerts or sufficient infrastructure.

Beyond the tragic loss of life, the floods triggered a cascade of consequences: economic setbacks, environmental degradation, and mounting public pressure on officials. As search and recovery efforts continue, Texas stands at a crossroads—either reinforce outdated systems or continue gambling with lives.

This disaster was not just an act of nature; it was a stark reminder that complacency kills. The decisions made in the coming weeks—from legislative action to federal coordination—will reveal whether this tragedy becomes a turning point or another forgotten warning. The question remains: Will Texas rise to meet the next storm with resilience, or be caught drowning in regret once again?

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Texas Governor Abbott Confirms at Least 161 People Still Missing After Devastating Flood

AL JAZEERA – Catastrophic Texas floods leave over 160 missing, death toll rises to 109

REUTERS – Death toll from Texas flood hits triple-digits as tally of missing tops 180

THE NEW YORK POST – Campground owner where dozens are missing watched cars and RVs full of families float away in the chaotic Texas floods