Emergency crews had to halt search operations in Kerr County, Texas, on Sunday due to a renewed flood threat in the area that was hit hardest by catastrophic flash flooding earlier this month. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reported that rescue operations were ongoing in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher Counties. Evacuations were also taking place in several Central Texas counties as authorities monitored rising water levels in Kerrville, the city most affected by the destructive storms on July 4 that caused the Guadalupe River to overflow. Officials in the rural and flood-prone Hill Country of Texas stated that at least 161 people from the area were still missing, with efforts to locate them continuing.
The serious situation unfolding in San Saba County was centered around the San Saba River, an area prone to flooding. Forecasted rainfall over the weekend, combined with saturated ground, was expected to raise the river to dangerous levels exceeding those seen on July 4. Search operations in Kerrville were temporarily suspended early Sunday morning due to the flood risk, with police urging search crews to evacuate the river corridor immediately. A flash flood warning was in effect for parts of Kerr County and other areas of Central Texas, with heavy rainfall expected to persist.
Authorities warned residents to avoid traveling unless necessary and to exercise caution around low water crossings, which are susceptible to flooding. The death toll from the recent flooding had risen to at least 129 statewide, with 166 individuals still unaccounted for. Search efforts for the missing continued amidst the debris left by the floods.
Volunteers, drones, and search dogs have teamed up with crews from various local, state, and federal agencies in an extensive operation to locate any individuals still missing. The teams are conducting searches on the ground, through waterways, and from above in the sky, all in the hopes of finding those who may be lost. Challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain have at times hindered their progress, according to officials. Texas Governor Greg Abbott has taken further steps to include additional counties in the federal disaster declaration due to the ongoing flooding. Also, read about a father’s determination that unlocked his son’s hidden talents, the global resistance to President Trump’s tariff threats, and a student’s unique talent related to birds.
