Texas, July 10, 2025: The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in central Texas rose to 119 on Wednesday, with growing fears that the number could climb significantly as over 160 people remain missing.
The unprecedented flooding, triggered by torrential rains on July 4, has devastated Kerr County—part of the Hill Country region ominously known as “Flash Flood Alley.” Authorities confirmed that at least 95 of the confirmed fatalities were in Kerr County alone, including 36 children, Sheriff Larry Leitha said.
Among the missing are five girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a summer camp situated along the Guadalupe River, which burst its banks early Friday. One additional missing child is not associated with the camp.
As rescue operations enter their seventh day, more than 2,000 personnel—including police, firefighters, military units, and volunteer groups—are engaged in one of the largest emergency responses in Texas history.
Ben Baker of the Texas Game Wardens described difficult conditions on the ground, with thick mud, collapsed structures, and massive debris fields slowing down the recovery of bodies and missing persons. “These large piles can be very obstructive… it’s extremely hazardous,” he said.
In the flood-ravaged town of Hunt, rescue workers dug through sludge and wreckage, while helicopters hovered overhead. Javier Torres, 24, who had already found the body of his grandfather, was searching for his grandmother. He also discovered the bodies of two children swept away by the floodwaters.
Meanwhile, scrutiny has intensified over the federal government’s preparedness and emergency response. Critics questioned whether budget cuts under President Donald Trump’s administration weakened early warning systems or slowed rescue coordination.
“There’s going to be an after-action review,” Sheriff Leitha said during a tense press briefing. “Those questions need to be answered,” he added, while urging the public and media to focus on rescue and recovery efforts in the immediate term.
Despite these concerns, authorities emphasized the heroism of first responders. “Officers went door to door, waking people up, in some cases pulling them out through windows,” said Kerrville police officer Jonathan Lamb. “As horrific as this is, it could have been much worse.”
President Trump is scheduled to visit Texas on Friday alongside First Lady Melania Trump. “We brought in a lot of helicopters from all over. They were real pros,” Trump said, praising the ongoing efforts.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast scattered thunderstorms across the Hill Country, with isolated heavy rainfall threatening to compound the crisis. Climate experts have also pointed to the region’s geography and recent extreme drought as key factors in the disaster.
“This part of Texas was already in exceptional drought. Dry soil can’t absorb rain effectively, leading to rapid runoff,” said Shel Winkley of Climate Central. “Since May, temperatures have remained above average, making conditions even more volatile.”
In a separate but related incident, flash floods in Ruidoso, New Mexico claimed three lives on Tuesday, with the Ruidoso River surging to a record 20 feet (6 meters), according to local authorities.
