The number of people missing in Texas due to the recent catastrophic flooding has significantly decreased from 160 to just three, according to Kerr County officials. This reduction comes as the search for missing individuals enters its third week. The devastating flooding, which occurred around July 4, has claimed the lives of at least 135 people, with 107 fatalities reported in Kerr County alone. Tragically, this includes children who were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls situated along the banks of the Guadalupe River.
In the last update, the missing persons count was reported at 97 just six days ago. However, officials have not yet provided specific details regarding the reasons behind this substantial drop in the missing persons count. In a statement on Sunday, Kerrville Police Department's Jonathan Lamb emphasized the importance of taking time to thoroughly investigate each lead, ensuring that every individual is properly accounted for.
The Kerrville Police Department also shared a post on Facebook over the weekend, indicating that through extensive follow-up work among state and local agencies, many individuals initially reported as missing have now been verified as safe and consequently removed from the missing persons list.
In response to the flooding disaster, Texas officials have called for a special legislative session that will address the flooding crisis, among other pressing issues. This session is set to convene in Austin starting Monday. Additionally, a select committee is expected to hold a hearing in Kerr County on July 31, as announced in a recent Facebook post from the county.
Despite the encouraging update regarding the reduction in the number of missing individuals, search teams remain focused on locating the three individuals who are still unaccounted for. Jonathan Lamb reiterated the commitment of state and local officials to work diligently and with care to reunite these individuals with their families. The ongoing recovery process for affected communities continues to be a priority for all agencies involved.
This record rainfall event serves as a stark reminder of the impacts of climate change, with scientists noting that such extreme precipitation events are becoming increasingly severe. The implications of this flooding disaster highlight the necessity for improved flood management strategies in Texas.
As Texas state leaders prepare for discussions on how to address these critical issues, the community remains hopeful for a swift recovery and effective measures to prevent future disasters.