HOUSTON, Texas – The death toll from the catastrophic Texas Hill Country floods has climbed to at least 120 people across six counties, with Kerr County suffering the greatest loss.
At least 36 victims, both confirmed and missing, are from the Greater Houston area.
July 22 update: Texas Task Force 1 recovered the body of a missing woman in the Kerrville area today. Two people remain unaccounted for: an adult man and a young girl from Camp Mystic. Search efforts are ongoing.
July 20 update: Kerr County officials now confirm only three people remain missing following the July 4 flood. Hundreds were initially unaccounted for, but investigators have worked closely with families and DPS to verify each case. Search efforts continue for the remaining individuals.
July 19 update: Governor Abbott announced that Hamilton and Travis counties are now included in the federal disaster declaration for Texas flooding. FEMA Public Assistance is available in 15 counties to support emergency repairs and recovery efforts.
July 18 update: Kerrville Pets Alive has taken in over 350 animals since the July 4 flood. Many have been treated for injuries and helped to find new homes. More than 1,000 responders and volunteers continue search and recovery efforts across Kerr County where 107 deaths have been confirmed, including 70 adults and 37 children.
Volunteer opportunities are limited at this time. Those wishing to help are asked to register at tcr.communityos.org. Additional opportunities will be posted at kerrtogether.com.
Residents are urged to avoid local waterways due to fast currents and poor water quality. A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect between Hunt and Canyon Lake. Drone operators must register before flying.
The Family Assistance Center is open daily at BT Wilson Sixth Grade School for families of the injured, missing, or deceased. Media access is restricted.
Officials warn of scams targeting flood victims and donors. The Texas Attorney General and FEMA have issued fraud alerts. Suspected scams can be reported at 1-800-621-0508 or StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov.
FEMA’s Disaster Recovery Center is open daily at First Baptist Church, 625 Washington Street in Kerrville from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
July 17 update: Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into fraudulent charity scams exploiting donations intended for flood relief. Scammers have impersonated legitimate organizations like the Center Point Volunteer Fire Department to collect money for personal gain. Paxton urges Texans to donate carefully, avoid wiring money or sharing personal information, and report any suspected fraud to the Attorney General’s office at 1-800-621-0508.
July 16 update: Governor Greg Abbott has expanded Texas’ disaster declaration to include five more counties: Hamilton, Lampasas, Maverick, Sutton, and Uvalde. This brings the total number of counties affected by recent flooding to 26. Additionally, FEMA approved adding Coke, Concho, and Williamson counties to the federal disaster declaration. These counties are now eligible for public assistance programs. Texans in several counties remain eligible for individual FEMA aid and can apply online at disasterassistance.gov or by calling 800-621-3362
July 15 update:
More than 1,000 local, state, and federal responders, along with thousands of volunteers, continue intensive search and recovery efforts from the headwaters of the Guadalupe River to Canyon Lake. Officials confirm 107 deaths in Kerr County, including 70 adults and 37 children.
A Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect between Hunt and Canyon Lake. All drone operators must register and be approved before flying in this airspace. For registration and more information visit: https://bit.ly/4lstaFo. Unapproved flights risk fines or penalties.
The drive-thru volunteer center at Antler Stadium, 1310 Sidney Baker Street, Kerrville, is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Volunteers are encouraged to register to ensure safe and coordinated deployment.
Residents with large debris piles requiring heavy machinery must have them evaluated by professional search teams before removal. Call 2-1-1 to request an evaluation or the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at (830) 896-1133.
Family Assistance Center: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at BT Wilson Sixth Grade School, 605 Tivy Street, Kerrville, for families of injured, missing, or deceased loved ones. Media access is restricted to respect privacy.
Beware of scams claiming to be from FEMA. FEMA will never ask for payment or banking information. Report suspicious activity to StopFEMAFraud@fema.dhs.gov or call 800-621-3362. Disaster Recovery Center walk-in assistance is available daily at First Baptist Church, 625 Washington Street, Kerrville, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
For more information and ways to help, visit KerrTogether.com.
Governor Greg Abbott has requested that Coke, Concho, and Williamson counties be added to the federal disaster declaration following recent Texas flooding. This will make these counties eligible for FEMA assistance to support emergency work and repairs.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Kerr County and nearby areas, suspending recovery efforts for the day.
July 14 update: Attorney General Ken Paxton has issued a warning to the organizer of an unverified GoFundMe campaign potentially scamming Texans after recent floods. The campaign must stop immediately and return any donations or face legal action. Texans are urged to donate only through verified and reputable channels to avoid fraud.
“Malicious schemes to swindle Americans who want to generously help our fellow Texans amidst this tragedy will be met with swift and forceful action from my office,” said Attorney General Paxton. “We will be investigating Mr. Coppola’s GoFundMe to determine if any laws were broken and the purpose behind his actions. If it’s determined that this was an intentional scam designed to steal funds that were meant to help those impacted by the devastating floods, then he will be held fully responsible under the law.”
Lt. Governor Dan Patrick announced members of the Senate Select Committee on Disaster Preparedness and Flooding. Houston’s Senator Paul Bettencourt will serve on the committee alongside other state leaders. Sen. Charles Perry of Lubbock will chair the committee, with Sen. Pete Flores of Pleasanton as vice chair.
July 13 update: Kerr County Sheriff suspended all volunteer search and rescue operations until further notice due to safety concerns. Highway 39 is closed to everyone except first responders and residents. Heavy rainfall and flash flooding along the Guadalupe River forced evacuation of crews and volunteers, suspending ground and river search efforts, including at Camp Mystic.
July 12 update:
Mayor Joe Herring Jr. expressed gratitude for the recent visit by President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, and key government officials who have supported Kerr County since the July 4 floods. Sheriff Larry Leitha highlighted the important collaboration between federal, state, and local responders. The Family Assistance Center is open daily for families affected by the disaster. Kerr County has confirmed 103 deaths as search and recovery operations continue.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice praised the dedication of local public servants working tirelessly amid grief to support flood response efforts. Since July 4, many have balanced emergency duties with personal losses. The city and county remain committed to transparency and a full review of the disaster response, with special session work underway. A volunteer drive-thru at Antler Stadium has registered over 450 volunteers to coordinate safe deployment. Kerrville Police and Fire Departments continue active search operations along the Guadalupe River while maintaining daily services. The community’s support is appreciated, though food donations are currently not needed. Agencies wishing to assist with recovery should contact Lt. Mary Krebs at mary.krebs@kerrvilletx.gov.
Governor Abbott has requested that Burnet, Llano, Mason, McCulloch, and Tom Green counties be added to the federal disaster declaration following recent flooding. These counties now qualify for FEMA assistance to support emergency work and repairs.
Statement from Commissioner Lesley Briones:
“Yesterday, we learned that the Federal Emergency Management Agency missed nearly two-thirds of the calls it received in the aftermath of the Kerr County floods that took the lives of over 100 people. This lack of responsiveness is a direct result of cuts the Trump administration has made to FEMA. This vital agency is understaffed and under-resourced, creating a dangerous situation for communities vulnerable to natural disasters. In Harris County, we know this all too well. After catastrophic events like Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Beryl, FEMA was a critical partner. While the Trump Administration is abandoning its responsibility to the American people, in Harris County, we are doubling down on our efforts to protect our residents. Nothing is more important than keeping our families safe.”
July 11 update:
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Burnet, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, and Williamson counties are now eligible for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) following recent severe storms and flooding. The Texas Workforce Commission is accepting applications from workers and self-employed individuals unable to work due to flood-related damage.
Affected residents can apply online or by phone. The deadline to apply is September 4, 2025. Applicants must provide proof of employment or self-employment at the time of the disaster within 21 days of applying to continue receiving benefits.
Additional counties may be added as damage assessments continue. For more information and to apply, visit the Texas Workforce Commission website or call (800) 939-6631.
The Hunt, Texas community thanks everyone for their support during this difficult time. Right now, volunteers are asked to hold off as first responders and families focus on urgent recovery. Many areas remain unsafe, and space is needed for families to take initial steps. Volunteer opportunities will be shared as needs arise in the coming days and weeks. The community appreciates your prayers, patience, and ongoing support.
In response to recent Central Texas flooding, the Harris Center is helping run the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line. Survivors, families, first responders, and others affected can access free, professional counseling anytime by calling 833-812-2480.
Thursday, July 10 updates
Kerr County officials held their morning news conference, providing updates to the public. Unlike the other news conference, this one was short and to the point, only leaving room to answer about three to four reporter questions at the end.
Kerr County officials confirmed that there are currently 96 deaths in their area, 60 adults and 36 children, with 161 still missing, including five campers from Camp Mystic and one counselor.
Officials said more than 2,100 first responders are currently on the ground from 10 different states, with more en route, searching the area for the missing.
If you have reported anyone missing, and they’ve since returned safely, officers are asking for you to notify them at kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov or call 830-258-1111.
Also, FEMA has since opened a disaster recovery center in Kerrville for people who have been affected. The recovery center, located at 625 Washington Street, will be open every day from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday, July 9 updates
Kerr County officials now confirm 59 adults are dead, with 14 still unidentified. 36 children are confirmed dead, and 13 remain unidentified. Five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing. The number of missing people countywide stands at 161.
Rescue teams, including local deputies, DPS agents, and even a fire department from Acuña, Mexico, continue combing heavily impacted debris fields along the Guadalupe River. Officials ask the public to avoid active work zones for safety.
Residents are urged not to begin debris removal on private property until given clearance, as search teams still need to check piles for possible victims. A countywide burn ban remains in effect.
Families who’ve reported missing loved ones are reminded to contact authorities immediately if those individuals have been located, to help maintain an accurate count. Kerr County spans 1,100 square miles of difficult, rural terrain, complicating search and recovery efforts.
Sheriff Larry Leitha stressed that the county’s response will be reviewed and improved where necessary. The emergency operation involves over 2,100 personnel currently working in the field.
KPRC 2, KSAT 12, Graham Media Group, and Gray Media have joined forces to launch Together for Texas, an emergency donation drive supporting flood relief efforts in Central Texas. All donations go directly to The Salvation Army to provide critical aid such as meals, shelter, and supplies to communities impacted by the devastating Fourth of July floods. To contribute, visit www.togetherfortx.com.
Tuesday, July 8 updates
Texas Governor Greg Abbott visited the Hill Country flood zones.
Kerr County officials provided an update on the flooding aftermath and ongoing search and rescue operations at 10 a.m. where they confirmed the deaths of 56 adults and 30 children following the catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country. Authorities say 19 adults, 7 children, and 1 additional person remain unidentified at this time.
Search and rescue efforts are still underway, with 5 campers and 1 counselor from Camp Mystic unaccounted for. Crews continue to work along waterways and debris fields across the region as the death toll rises.
Monday afternoon update
Governor Greg Abbott says more than 1,700 state personnel remain on the ground assisting with rescue, recovery, and cleanup operations in the devastated communities.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on social media on the ongoing recovery efforts.
According to the sheriff’s office, as of 2 p.m., Crews have recovered the bodies of 84 people in Kerr County, including 56 adults and 28 children. Identification is pending for 22 adults and 10 children. At present, 10 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for.
The sheriff’s office also asked private boat owners to stay off the Guadalupe River and its tributaries at this time to allow search and rescue teams to operate without interference.
Authorities say the identities of 15 additional adults and 9 children are still pending as recovery efforts continue across the region.
Monday, July 7 updates
Kerr County officials provided an update on the flooding aftermath and ongoing recovery efforts this morning.
Rescue crews remain focused on locating the 10 missing campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, as well as addressing reports of additional missing persons along the Guadalupe River.
Search operations are active along a 100-kilometer stretch from Hunt in Kerr County to Canyon Lake in Comal County. Teams are working in gridded search zones using boats, ground crews, K-9 units, drones, and helicopters. Officials say challenging terrain, fast-moving water, and storm debris are complicating the search.
Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice acknowledged the challenges emergency crews faced communicating in rural parts of the county.
“We know there are a lot of questions about communication, cell service, and emergency alerts,” Rice said. “This is a massive area with tough terrain and spotty service. Those are things we need to take a hard look at moving forward.”
The Kerrville Public Utility Board reports widespread power outages between Hunt and Ingram, with more than 40 downed power lines and multiple substations damaged. There is no estimated time for full restoration.
“This will be a rough week. Primary search continues and we remain hopeful,” Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring said. “Every foot, every mile, every bend of the river, our work continues.”
Authorities are asking volunteers to register through the Kerrville Salvation Army by calling 830-465-4797 or visiting 855 Hayes Street.
Monetary donations can be made online through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country at communityfoundation.net, where a dedicated Kerr County Relief Fund is active.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz addressed the emotional toll of the disaster, calling the deaths of children at Camp Mystic “every parent’s nightmare” and praising the courage of first responders and community volunteers.
“Texas is grieving right now,” Cruz said. “The pain and shock of what has transpired these last few days has broken the heart of our state.”
Sunday, July 6 updates
The remaining 13 victims are spread across nearby counties: three in Burnet, one in Tom Green, five in Travis, two in Kendall, and two in Williamson. Additionally, 10 children and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain unaccounted for at this time.
Kerr County officials held a press conference Sunday afternoon to provide the latest updates on the deadly Texas Hill Country floods. Leaders confirmed search and recovery operations remain ongoing, with rising water levels still posing a threat in parts of the region.
In Kerr County, home to Camp Mystic and several other youth camps in the Texas Hill Country, search crews have recovered the bodies of 68 people, including 28 children, according to Sheriff Larry Leitha.
The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for Ingram and areas just north of Kerrville, in effect until 6:30 p.m. Officials warn that rising water from nearby tributaries could cause a rapid 2-foot surge along the Guadalupe River. Residents in low-lying areas are urged to move to higher ground immediately.
During a 3 p.m. press conference, TDEM Chief Nim Kidd emphasized that life safety remains the top priority amid the ongoing disaster response in Kerr County.
Chief Kidd stressed that search efforts for missing persons continue vigorously alongside the start of recovery operations such as debris removal and road clearing. He urged the public to avoid conflating “recovery” with the end of rescue work, noting that search for survivors is still very active.
Due to recent reports of a potential “wall of water” or flash flooding in some creeks feeding into the Guadalupe River, residents and visitors unfamiliar with the area are urged to stay away from low-lying crossings and flood zones for their safety.
Chief Kidd also addressed concerns from spontaneous volunteers, explaining that while their help is appreciated, all volunteers must register with official response teams to ensure coordination and safety. Unauthorized volunteers in evacuation zones could jeopardize rescue operations.
Officials warned that heavy rainfall is expected over the next 24 to 48 hours in Central Texas and surrounding areas, increasing the risk of flash flooding. Residents are strongly advised to avoid driving through flooded roadways, following the “Turn around, don’t drown” safety message.
Public safety remains the top priority as search and rescue teams continue working to save lives and assist affected communities.
President Donald Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County, Texas. This action unlocks federal resources and support for local first responders as they continue search, rescue, and recovery efforts.
During an update to the public on Sunday morning, Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said more than 400 first responders from over 20 agencies are working to find the 11 children and the counselor who are still considered missing from Camp Mystic.
Saturday, July 5 updates
On Saturday afternoon, we heard from Texas leaders, including Governor Greg Abbott, on just how dire the situation is. In 36 hours, Abbott said more than 850 people have been rescued or recovered.
“This community over the past 24 hours is what I call quintessential Texas. When Texans face a challenge, we come together. We unite,” Abbott said.
Abbott said the ongoing priority is to find every person affected by the flooding, and as of Saturday afternoon, 27 people were still confirmed missing.
“We will be relentless in going after and ensuring that we locate every single person who’s been a victim of this flooding event. We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow. We will stop when the job is completed.”
Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem spoke about President Trump’s response, saying, “President Trump is absolutely heartbroken by what has happened here in Texas and the loss of life is absolutely devastating to him and Melania.” She added, “He is absolutely committed to using all the resources of the federal government to help unify families, rescue all those that we are still missing and return those who maybe we will recover back to their family as soon as possible.”
Local emergency responders, including several Houston-area agencies, have been working closely with state and federal teams to help find the missing people.
“Our state assets and local partners are continuing to search for live victims. Life safety continues to be our number one priority. We will continue the search until all those that are missing are found,” said Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Department of Emergency Management.
Kerr County Judge Kelly addressed the shift from rescue to recovery, stating, “The rescue has gone as well as can be expected. He’s getting time now for the recovery, and that’s going to be a long... Toilsome task for us. And what I would reiterate that I’ve heard others say is as long as we stay together, we’ll get this done.”
Kerrville Mayor Herrick asked for public support and prayers: “Rescue those in peril and we will find those who are lost. I continue to ask everyone who sees this day to pray for Kerrville and Kerr County.”
Search efforts continue around the clock, including the use of helicopters equipped with thermal imaging to locate missing individuals.
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