After a devastating flood hit central Texas on July 4th, more than 2,000 rescue personnel have been conducting search and rescue operations along the Guadalupe River. Using helicopters, drones, and search dogs, they have been searching for bodies and missing persons. As of Saturday, July 19th, the number of missing persons has decreased significantly from 160 to just 3.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that the flooding resulted in over a hundred people missing across the state, with the majority coming from Kerr County. Authorities will continue to search for the missing individuals and confirm the identities of the deceased, a process that may take several more days and could further reduce the number of missing persons.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the hard-hit area of Kerrville announced that, following subsequent investigations by state and local agencies, many of the individuals initially reported missing have been confirmed safe. The number of missing persons has now dropped to 3, and efforts to search for them in the river area will continue.
City Manager Dalton Rice expressed gratitude to over a thousand personnel from local, state, and federal agencies for their dedicated efforts in the search and rescue operations following the severe flooding. Thanks to their outstanding work, the previously reported missing persons have been reduced from over 160 to just 3.
The individuals reported missing were mostly tourists in the area for the Fourth of July holiday, rather than local residents or campers.
Heavy rainfall on July 4th caused the Guadalupe River to surge, with water levels rising from 3 feet to 30 feet in just 45 minutes, resulting in the destruction of homes, vehicles, roads, and trees. At least 135 people have died in Texas as a result, with at least 107 (including 37 children) from Kerr County. The initial number of missing persons stood at 161.
Sheriff Larry Leitha mentioned that search and rescue operations will intensify over the next one to two months and could potentially last up to six months. Currently, 2,200 personnel from various agencies are involved in the rescue efforts.
The search operations cover a 60-mile stretch of the river, requiring rescue teams to navigate through murky waters, thick mud, and large piles of debris. A small task force comprised of rescue personnel from across the United States and even Mexico has been overcoming challenging terrain to conduct the search using helicopters, drones, boats, search dogs, and mules.
As the search enters its third week, efforts for reconstruction and review of warning systems are gradually being initiated.