News Summary
Texas is currently battling severe flash flooding, which has tragically claimed at least 82 lives, as rescue efforts continue. Most fatalities have been reported in Kerr County, where many victims, including children, are still unaccounted for. The affected areas have seen unprecedented rainfall, leading to extensive property damage and ongoing rescue operations. Authorities are actively searching for missing individuals, while the community braces for a lengthy recovery process amid safety warnings regarding local waterways.
Texas
Catastrophic flash flooding across Texas has resulted in at least 82 fatalities, with many individuals still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue. Authorities have reported deaths in six counties, with the majority occurring in Kerr County, where 68 victims have been confirmed, including 28 children.
Missing Persons and Ongoing Search Efforts
Search and rescue operations are actively looking for several missing individuals in the aftermath of the floods. In Kerr County, Sheriff Larry Leitha announced that 10 girls and a camp counselor from Camp Mystic are among the missing. The identities of some victims have been verified, including Michael McCown’s daughter, Linnie, and camper Lila Bonner.
In addition, six fatalities have been confirmed in Travis County, with many other individuals reported missing in areas such as Sandy Creek. Authorities believe there are 11 to 13 missing individuals in Travis County, including a 17-year-old girl. Burnet County has reported three deaths, with one confirmed as Preston Prince, and three other individuals still unaccounted for. Two fatalities occurred each in Kendall and Williamson counties, where Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, was identified among the deceased.
The search includes efforts for Michael Phillips, the chief of the Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department, who has also been reported missing. An additional tragic discovery was that of a 62-year-old woman in Tom Green County, who was found dead in her vehicle after being reported missing.
Impact of the Flooding
The flash flooding has forced widespread evacuations and led to significant damage to property, roads, and infrastructure throughout the affected regions. Estimates indicate that some areas received rainfall of up to 15 inches within a 48-hour period, creating dangerous conditions. Governor Greg Abbott has officially declared a disaster for both Williamson and Travis Counties as officials grapple with the immediate response to the crisis.
In addition to the fatalities and rescues, flash flood watches were issued throughout many areas, particularly around Austin, complicating rescue operations in the ongoing efforts. The Red Cross is actively working to address concerns for those with missing loved ones by providing a hotline (1-800-733-2767) to assist families in their searches. Local authorities and emergency services have been mobilized to meet the immediate needs of affected residents and facilitate rescue operations.
Safety Measures and Future Concerns
Advisories have been issued regarding the safety of local lakes and rivers, warning against recreational activities due to dangerous debris from the floods. Popular sites like Barton Springs Pool have closed to ensure public safety. Local officials have warned that recovery from this disaster will take significant time, with ongoing assessments of damage and safety critical to restoring normalcy.
The current flooding has drawn comparisons to previous historical disasters in the region, including the catastrophic flood of 1987. The community is bracing for a long recovery as they continue to search for missing persons and provide aid to those impacted by this devastating event.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Severe Flooding in Central Texas Leads to Multiple Fatalities
Devastating Floods Hit Central Texas, Claiming Lives
Severe Flash Flood Emergency Devastates Central Texas
Severe Flooding in Central Texas Claims Lives and Postpones Soccer Match
Texas Faces Catastrophic Flooding Crisis
Severe Flooding Claims Lives in Central Texas
Central Texas Faces Severe Flooding After Catastrophic Rainfall
Severe Flash Flooding in Austin Claims Lives and Displaces Residents
Severe Flash Flooding in Kerr County Leaves 24 Dead
Austin Cancels Fourth of July Fireworks Due to Severe Weather
Additional Resources
- FOX 7 Austin
- Wikipedia: Flood
- Austin American-Statesman
- Google Search: Texas Flooding 2023
- FOX Weather
- Google Scholar: Impact of flooding
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Flooding
- KXAN News
- Google News: Texas Flooding July 2023
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
