At Least 119 Dead, More Than 160 Missing in Texas Flooding/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ At least 119 people have died in devastating Texas floods, with over 160 still missing, including campers from Camp Mystic. Emergency teams, including horses and ambulance buses, are working nonstop to reach stranded victims and clear debris. Governor Abbott ordered flags lowered as investigations probe delays in flood alerts and families seek closure.
Quick Look
- Death Toll: 119 confirmed dead across Texas
- Missing Persons: Over 160, many children and campers
- Rescue Tactics: Equine teams navigating treacherous terrain
- Governor’s Order: Flags at half-staff until July 14
- Investigation: Officials probe alert system response times
Texas Flood Disaster: Death Toll Climbs to 119, Over 160 Still Missing
Deep Look
KERRVILLE, Texas — The catastrophic Texas flooding has claimed at least 119 lives as rescue operations continue amid devastation across the Hill Country region. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha announced Wednesday that 95 victims have been confirmed in Kerr County alone, including 36 children, while over 160 people remain unaccounted for.
Among the missing are five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, as authorities race against time in ongoing search and rescue efforts.
“We’re not running, we’re not going to hide,” Sheriff Leitha said, vowing transparency and answers for grieving families.
Search Efforts Expand Amid Harrowing Conditions
Emergency crews, including the Texas Emergency Medical Task Force, have surged into affected areas like Center Point, deploying specialized ambulance buses capable of mass casualty transport. Horses have joined the rescue efforts, enabling teams to navigate dangerous terrain along the swollen Guadalupe River.
“We’re getting down in places that people can’t reach on foot,” said Kourtney Rand, an equine search and rescue organizer in Ingram.
Mourning the Lost: Flags Lowered Across Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has ordered Texas flags lowered to half-staff until July 14 in memory of those who perished in the floods.
“Texas stands united in mourning and in our resolve to support those who strive to heal and recover,” Abbott said.
The flood’s tragic toll includes Army veteran Bill Venus, whose body was discovered after an extensive search. His son, Will Venus Jr., shared heartfelt words:
“He was a great man… his primary goal was helping others.”
Looking for Answers as Community Grieves
Scrutiny has intensified around the activation of Kerr County’s Code Red Alert System, with officials pledging to investigate potential delays. Sheriff Leitha emphasized his commitment to personally support affected families and ensure transparency in the ongoing probe.
“I want closure for those people,” he said. “We will answer those questions.”
The disaster’s scope has left communities reeling, with thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged. Rescuers continue working tirelessly as hope remains for those still missing.
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