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Monday 23/02/2026

Texas Floods: Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Search Efforts Amidst Looming Rain

Aerial view of flooded Central Texas with rescue teams
Ethan BrooksEthan Brooks

In This Article

HIGHLIGHTS

  • At least 82 people have died, and 41 remain missing after flash floods hit central Texas, with Kerr County being the hardest hit.
  • The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in 45 minutes, devastating Camp Mystic, where 10 girls and a counselor are still unaccounted for.
  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott has pledged exhaustive efforts to find all missing persons, as search operations transition to recovery.
  • President Donald Trump declared a major disaster for Kerr County, activating federal aid and resources to support local efforts.
  • Additional rain is forecasted, potentially exacerbating the already severe flooding conditions and complicating rescue operations.

Central Texas is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have claimed at least 82 lives and left 41 people missing. The disaster, which struck on Friday, has particularly devastated Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, inundating Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp for girls.

Devastation at Camp Mystic

The sudden rise of the Guadalupe River caught many by surprise, leading to tragic consequences at Camp Mystic. The camp, located along the riverbanks, was overwhelmed by the floodwaters, resulting in the deaths of several campers and staff. As of now, 10 girls and a counselor remain missing, with search and rescue teams tirelessly combing the area for any signs of life.

State and Federal Response

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has vowed that authorities will "stop at nothing" to locate every missing person. The search efforts, involving over 400 personnel, have begun to transition into a recovery operation. President Donald Trump has declared a major disaster for Kerr County, enabling the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide crucial support. Trump, who plans to visit the affected areas, described the situation as "absolutely horrible."

Challenges and Continued Efforts

The ongoing rescue operations face significant challenges, including the threat of further rainfall, which could exacerbate the flooding. Emergency alerts have been issued, urging residents to move to higher ground as additional rain is expected in the coming days. Despite these hurdles, the commitment to finding the missing remains steadfast, with local and federal agencies working in tandem to manage the crisis.

WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN

As rescue operations continue, the focus will likely shift towards recovery and rebuilding efforts in the affected areas. The declaration of a major disaster will facilitate the flow of federal resources, aiding in the rehabilitation of communities. However, questions about the adequacy of early warnings and preparedness measures are likely to arise, prompting a review of emergency response protocols. The potential for further rainfall poses a risk of additional flooding, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and swift action to prevent further loss of life.