Texas officials announced that they have verified most people once listed as missing. They reduced the number from ninety‑seven to just three in Kerr County. They reached this figure after teams checked records and confirmed locations. This change comes more than two weeks after the flash floods hit the Hill Country on July 4 weekend.
Extensive Search Efforts and Data Review
Officials said they worked with state and local agencies. They cross‑checked hotel logs and campsite records. They also phoned local contacts to find out if visitors had returned home. This method cut out duplicate reports. It also found people who had never left the area. However, tracking holiday visitors proved hard when they had no formal check‑ins. The governor noted that many callers did not register at camps or lodges.
Recovery Teams Press On
Rescue crews have not stopped working. Over two thousand responders from across the United States have waded through debris‑filled waters. They searched along the swollen Guadalupe River.
The river rose more than twenty‑six feet in less than an hour. Teams from Navy SEAL units joined state search and rescue groups. Volunteers helped too. They used boats, drones, and dogs to scan remote river banks.
Human Cost and Local Impact
The floods claimed at least one hundred thirty‑five lives statewide. Kerr County suffered the most. It lost one hundred seven people, including many children. Camp Mystic saw twenty‑seven deaths among campers and staff. Families in Kerrville, Hunt, and Center Point continue to mourn. Local leaders warned the community that recovery could last months. The sheriff said they might not finish until next year.
Federal Support and Future Plans
President Trump visited the area on July 11. He signed a federal disaster declaration for multiple counties. This move released funds for relief and rebuilding. State officials now plan to repair roads and rebuild bridges. They also aim to restore camps and parks in the flood zone. Engineers will study river flow patterns to reduce future risks.
Personal Analysis
I find the drop from ninety‑seven to three missing to be a hopeful sign. It shows what careful record checks and local cooperation can achieve. Yet the human toll remains heavy. The speed of the flood revealed flaws in how we track visitors during holiday travel. In the future, simple registration steps at camps and lodges could save time. Also, better alerts along rivers might warn campers before water levels rise. Overall, the recovery work calls for both urgency and thoughtful planning.
Sources: CNN.com
