Heavy rainfall in Texas on Sunday briefly halted the ongoing search for victims of severe flooding along the Guadalupe River and triggered high-water rescues in other areas as officials cautioned about potential surges in water levels. This pause marked the first interruption in search efforts since the devastating floods on July Fourth, which claimed the lives of at least 132 individuals. Authorities estimate that over 160 people could still be missing in Kerr County, with an additional 10 individuals unaccounted for in neighboring regions.
In Kerrville, where officials faced scrutiny for inadequate warnings during the early morning flooding on July 4, authorities conducted door-to-door notifications in some residences after midnight on Sunday to alert residents of the looming flood risk. The Ingram Fire Department instructed crews to evacuate the Guadalupe River area in Kerr County due to the high risk of flash flooding.
By late Sunday afternoon, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office announced resumption of search operations in the western county, with the Ingram Fire Department set to resume search-and-rescue activities on Monday morning. Texas Governor Greg Abbott reported rescue operations in San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher counties, along with evacuations in several other regions. Notably, Texas Task Force 1 successfully rescued numerous individuals in Lampasas under challenging conditions.
The recent floods caused substantial damage to approximately 100 homes and extensive cattle fencing, as stated by Ashley Johnson, CEO of the Hill Country Community Action Association. She emphasized the widespread impact on rural communities and the proactive response given the daylight warning ahead of the flooding.
With further rainfall anticipated, county officials mandated evacuations for residents in flood-prone areas near the San Saba River. Affected individuals were relocated to the San Saba Civic Center, serving as a safe haven for shelter and assistance during the crisis.
Meteorologists warned of additional heavy rainfall and slow-moving storms affecting various areas, leading to river and stream overflow. The heaviest downpours were forecasted along the I-35 corridor and eastward, with potential intensification before gradually diminishing in coverage and intensity later in the evening.
The Guadalupe River was projected to rise significantly, potentially submerging the Highway 39 bridge in Hunt, posing risks to the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, emergency crews in northern Texas rescued a stranded motorist from waist-high rapids on a submerged bridge over the Bosque River, highlighting the perilous conditions caused by rising water levels.
Authorities in Sonora, a city northwest of Kerrville, initiated evacuations in response to escalating floodwaters, with water rescues and a temporary shelter established at the civic center to aid affected residents.
Despite the challenges posed by the inclement weather, community members like Matthew Stone in Kerrville demonstrated resilience and mutual support in confronting the aftermath of the floods. Stone recounted his experience aiding neighbors during the previous flooding, underscoring the importance of continuous alerts and assistance from local authorities.
The catastrophic floods in Texas left a trail of destruction in the Hill Country region, particularly impacting Kerr County’s riverbanks and hills dotted with recreational sites like Camp Mystic. Situated in a flood-prone area, Camp Mystic suffered significant losses, including the lives of campers and counselors, underscoring the swift and devastating nature of the flood event.
The unprecedented scale of the flood exceeded expectations, overwhelming local agencies and residents who were caught off guard due to the rapid onset of the disaster. The sudden deluge, estimated to have deposited 120 billion gallons of water in Kerr County alone, underscored the magnitude of the calamity and the urgent need for comprehensive emergency preparedness and response measures.