Rise in fatalities due to Texas floods reaches 80 victims
The search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the devastating floods in Texas' Kerr County continue, with hundreds of agents, deputies, and support personnel working tirelessly to locate the missing and recover the deceased.
As of July 7, 2025, at least 68 people have lost their lives, including 40 adults and 28 children, according to reports compiled by CNN. Among the missing are ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a summer camp located in Kerr County. Tragically, the director of Camp Mystic, Dick Eastland, lost his life while attempting to save participants.
The floodwaters surged with extraordinary rapidity, rising about 26 feet in just 45 minutes at some points, and causing gauges to become submerged or washed out, making precise monitoring difficult. This rapid rise in water levels has compounded the challenges faced by rescuers.
Despite these challenges, the federal government has declared a disaster for Texas to support the recovery and response efforts in Kerr County. This declaration includes funding for temporary housing, home repairs, and other assistance programs to aid local agencies and nonprofits in managing rescue, recovery, and rebuilding efforts.
President Trump is scheduled to visit the affected areas "probably on Friday," according to The Hill news portal. The visit is part of the ongoing response to the floods in Texas and is intended to demonstrate the federal government's commitment to supporting local communities in their time of need.
US Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has reiterated President Trump's commitment to deploying all necessary federal resources for the recovery efforts. This commitment includes reuniting families, rescuing the missing, and returning the recovered loved ones.
Authorities have urged residents in flood-affected areas, particularly along the Guadalupe River corridor in Kerr County, to avoid travel unless seeking higher ground, as flash floods remain a critical threat. New rains in the upper Guadalupe basin could cause a rise of between 30 and 60 centimeters in the Johnson Creek when it enters the Guadalupe River in Ingram, potentially exacerbating the ongoing flood risks.
Aerial, aquatic, canine, and other resources are being used in the search and rescue operations. However, the current status of these efforts remains extremely challenging due to the scale and severity of the flooding.
Despite President Trump's initial desire to visit the region earlier, he decided against it to avoid being an obstacle in the ongoing rescue efforts. The specific details of his visit, such as the exact location and time, have not been disclosed.
In summary, while search and rescue efforts continue under difficult conditions, the situation remains dire with many still missing and ongoing flood risks. The federal disaster declaration will bolster local response and recovery actions in Kerr County and surrounding areas severely impacted by this historic flood event.
- The general-news outlets are reporting on the ongoing flooding in Texas' Kerr County, where crime-and-justice issues have unfortunately arisen, as ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic remain missing.
- Amidst the turmoil of this disaster, the weather presents another dangerous challenge, with new rains in the upper Guadalupe basin posing potential increases in flood risks.
- Despite the challenging circumstances, politics have not been absent, as President Trump adjusts his plans to visit the affected areas to avoid disrupting the ongoing search and rescue efforts, demonstrating a commitment to supporting the region.
