Catastrophic floods in Texas: Multiple fatalities and missing individuals reported
In early July 2025, Texas has been hit by a devastating flood, primarily affecting central and western regions such as Kerr County, San Angelo, Travis, Williamson, and Burnet counties. The disaster was triggered by torrential, slow-moving thunderstorms that dumped more than a month's worth of rain in a short time, with some areas receiving up to 10 inches of rain and rain falling at rates of up to 4 inches per hour.
The Guadalupe River near Kerr County saw a rapid rise of 26 feet in just 45 minutes, reaching its second-highest level on record and surpassing a historic 1987 flood event. This sudden surge caught residents and officials off guard, especially overnight when many were asleep. The lack of adequate flood warning systems on some rivers, such as in Kerr County, contributed to the surprise and severity of the disaster.
The flooding has resulted in a tragic loss of life, with at least 80 people dead across six Texas counties. The central Texas areas like San Angelo and Kerr County account for 27 confirmed fatalities, and at least 11 deaths have been reported in the Austin region (Travis, Williamson, and Burnet counties). Dozens of residents are still missing, and extensive property damage includes destroyed homes and vehicles.
Numerous flash flood emergencies and flood warnings remain in effect, especially along rivers like the Guadalupe and San Gabriel, with ongoing risks of additional flooding. Many roads have been closed due to flooding, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.
Emergency responders and special response teams are actively conducting door-to-door welfare checks and rescuing stranded residents. For example, Austin-Travis County EMS rescued at least 25 individuals in northwest Travis County. Officials warn residents to shelter in place if safe and move to higher ground if near creeks, streams, or rivers. Driving through flooded roads is strongly discouraged due to safety hazards.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared the flooding incident a disaster, and between 237 people have been rescued or evacuated due to flooding in Kerr County, Texas. The US President, Donald Trump, has described the flooding in Texas as shocking and terrible. An emergency situation has been implemented in Texas due to the flooding.
The search for missing persons due to the flooding will be ongoing, and the recovery efforts are expected to take significant time and resources. The affected communities are urged to stay vigilant and follow all safety guidelines provided by local authorities.
- The general-news coverage of the disaster in Texas has expanded to include crime-and-justice reports, as police are investigating a spike in accidents and thefts in flood-affected areas, potentially linked to the chaos and distress caused by the flooding.
- Weather forecasts for the upcoming days in Texas have predicted a brief respite from rain, however, residents are warned to remain cautious: flood waters can lead to dangerous conditions even after the rain has stopped, and the threat of additional accidents and weather-related incidents remains high.
