In Kerr County, Texas, the number of people reported missing following the historic flooding on July 4 has significantly decreased from over 160 to just three, as many have been confirmed safe, according to local officials. This improvement is attributed to “extensive follow-up work” and coordinated search and rescue operations. Initially, 173 individuals were reported missing due to floodwaters that rose two stories high, leading to devastating conditions, including inundated summer camp bungalows and washed-away vehicles. The Guadalupe River experienced a dramatic rise of 26 feet within 45 minutes, contributing to the flooding’s severity, which resulted in the tragic deaths of 27 campers and staff at Camp Mystic.
Local officials have reported ongoing efforts to verify the status of those missing, subsequently removing many from the list as their safety was confirmed. However, questions have arisen regarding the adequacy and timeliness of the warning systems in place prior to the disaster. The Integrated Public Alert & Warning System was criticized for not sending emergency texts to cellphone users in the affected area. In response to the situation, Senator Ruben Gallego has called for an investigation into the Department of Homeland Security’s response to the flooding crisis.
President Donald Trump recently visited the flood-stricken area, asserting that the federal response was prompt, while officials like Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice noted the unprecedented nature of the flooding made timely warnings challenging. The community continues to grapple with the search for clarity and support for the affected families.
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