Rising Death Toll from Texas Flash Floods: Search for Missing Intensifies
KERRVILLE, Texas (AP) – The death toll from devastating flash floods in Central Texas climbed to at least 67 by Sunday, as rescue teams continued their challenging search in the Hill Country, discovering more victims and seeking 11 missing girls from a summer camp. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported that 59 bodies were recovered locally, including 21 children, vowing to persist in the search until every individual is accounted for.
Rescue efforts, hampered by downed trees, overturned vehicles, and extensive debris, faced increasing urgency as conditions worsened. A total of four deaths were recorded in Travis County, three in Burnet, and one in Kendall. Families searched for their loved ones amid growing despair and new storms rolled in.
Despite authorities urging caution, volunteers and family members scoured riverbanks, desperate for any signs of life. The rapidly rising waters, which surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, snatched homes and vehicles, leaving the community reeling.
Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a day of prayer, urging Texans to come together in remembrance and support for those affected. In an unprecedented gesture, Pope Leo XIV extended condolences to the victims’ families during his Sunday blessing from the Vatican.
Survivors recounted harrowing experiences, clinging to trees for safety and fleeing to attics in hopes of evading the rising tide. Many in the area, known as "flash flood alley," were caught off guard despite warnings from the National Weather Service regarding potential flooding.
As officials continue to search for the missing, frustrations mount over whether sufficient warnings were issued in this historically vulnerable region, where heavy rain overwhelmed the community’s preparedness. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy acknowledged that scrutiny will follow as the community begins to heal.
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