A week after catastrophic floods devastated the Texas Hill Country, authorities and local volunteers are actively searching for over 160 missing individuals. As residents in the most affected areas mourn their losses, President Donald Trump is expected to visit the region to offer support. The floods, which occurred early on July 4, overwhelmed the Guadalupe River, leading to widespread destruction of homes and summer camps. To date, at least 120 bodies have been recovered, with the hardest-hit county, Kerr County, reporting 96 fatalities, including at least 36 children.
State officials have committed to continuing their search for those still unaccounted for, although they have acknowledged the decreasing likelihood of finding survivors a week after the disaster. According to local officials, the last successful rescue occurred on the day the flood struck. With search teams now focusing on the challenging task of sifting through debris, the community remains hopeful yet realistic about the recovery process.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to arrive in Kerr County to meet with the families of victims and local officials. Questions have been raised regarding the lack of sufficient warnings issued prior to the flooding. While aboard Air Force One, Trump expressed his disbelief at the rapid rise of water levels, stating, “It’s a horrible thing. Nobody can even believe it, such a thing. That much water that fast – without a dam break.” The president reassured that his administration would be present to support the affected families and local authorities.
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has successfully raised over $30 million through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Texas Representative Chip Roy expressed gratitude to donors and encouraged ongoing contributions, emphasizing the long road to recovery. He stated, “People are all focused on this right now, but this is going to be happening in two weeks, in a month, in six months, in a year. We need this to continue... keep the dollars flowing.”
Ahead of Trump's visit, Russ Vought, the White House budget chief, assured reporters that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has adequate funding to assist in recovery efforts. Despite discussions about potential cuts to FEMA, Vought confirmed that the agency has approximately $13 billion in reserves for necessary expenses in Texas. He highlighted that the administration is committed to ensuring Texas receives the support it needs.
Records reveal that nearly a decade before these disastrous floods, the Texas Division of Emergency Management denied Kerr County's requests for a $1 million grant aimed at improving its flood warning system. The proposed system would have upgraded water gauge systems, added new water level sensors, and created a real-time information distribution platform. Despite reapplying for funding in 2018, the county's requests were again rejected, raising concerns about the preparedness for such catastrophic weather events.
In light of the ongoing search for flood victims, Kerr County officials are urging residents to avoid large debris piles until they have been thoroughly searched. They emphasized the importance of ensuring that these areas have been checked for victims before any cleanup efforts commence. This week, search crews are focusing their efforts on untangling wreckage along the Guadalupe River and throughout Kerr County.
The tragic floods have claimed the lives of over 120 individuals, including summer camp directors, teachers, parents, and children. Among the victims are two sisters found together after being swept away and a young police officer who was celebrating the Fourth of July with his family. The community is coming together to honor those who have lost their lives in this devastating event.
During an interview on NBC's Meet the Press, President Trump characterized the Texas flood as a once-in-every-200-year event. He expressed support for the installation of alarm systems to warn residents of future emergencies. Questions persist regarding the adequacy of flood warnings, as the Guadalupe River surged nearly 30 feet in under an hour. Texas Governor Greg Abbott is expected to address these concerns in upcoming legislative sessions focused on improving flood warning systems and disaster preparedness.
As recovery efforts continue, the community remains resilient, and the focus is on ensuring the safety and support of all affected families. The road to recovery may be long, but with ongoing support and a commitment to improvement, the Texas Hill Country will work towards rebuilding.
