Local News
Texas Flooding Disaster: Search and Rescue Efforts Continue Following July 4th Weekend Tragedy
Search and rescue operations remain underway in Central Texas following the devastating floods over the Fourth of July weekend. The disaster, triggered by more than 20 inches of rainfall and fueled by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, is now the deadliest inland flood in the U.S. since 1976.
Kerr County: Ground Zero for the Catastrophe
Over 2,100 personnel, including volunteers, first responders, Coast Guard swimmers, and response teams from Mexico, are actively working in Kerr County. Their mission includes search and recovery, infrastructure assessments, and humanitarian aid distribution. These efforts are being coordinated through an emergency operations center set up in the heart of the county.
More than 400 rescues have been conducted as of July 10. In one of the most heroic acts, a single Coast Guard swimmer is credited with saving 165 individuals. Recovery teams continue to search for those unaccounted for, often in treacherous terrain and swift river currents. Helicopters, drones, boats, and K-9 units are deployed around the clock.
A Disaster Recovery Center was established on July 10, jointly operated by FEMA, the Texas Division of Emergency Management, and the SBA. It serves as a central location for displaced families to receive assistance with temporary housing, grants, and small business support.
As of 9 a.m. Central Time on July 11, 95 deceased individuals have been recovered in Kerr County—59 adults and 36 children. Identification is still pending for 14 adults and 13 children. Officials report 161 people remain missing in Kerr County alone.
Emergency shelters in schools, churches, and recreation centers are now at capacity. Mental health professionals, grief counselors, and support animals have been brought in to help victims and responders cope with the emotional toll. Kerrville’s local hospital is operating at full capacity and is receiving outside assistance.
Camp Mystic Tragedy
One of the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp near Hunt along the Guadalupe River. The camp was caught off guard by rapidly rising waters in the early morning hours of July 4. Emergency responders arrived quickly, but flash floods overwhelmed the area.
Twenty-seven campers and counselors have been confirmed dead. Five girls and one counselor remain unaccounted for, with search efforts continuing in nearby riverbeds and wooded areas. The tragedy has sparked renewed discussions about emergency alert systems and river safety protocols for summer camps in flood-prone regions.
Parents, many of whom traveled from out of state, have gathered at the camp’s edge, anxiously awaiting news. Prayer vigils and memorials line the roads leading into the site, with flowers, photos, and notes left in honor of the lives lost. Several families have called for legislative changes to increase early-warning systems and enforce evacuation plans.
President Donald Trump’s Visit
On July 11, 2025, President Donald Trump, accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, Governor Greg Abbott, Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and Rep. Tony Gonzales, toured Kerr County to assess the damage and offer support.
“It’s a horrible thing. Nobody can even believe it,” President Trump said, calling the flood a “hundred-year catastrophe.”
During his visit, Trump praised FEMA’s rapid mobilization and coordination with Texas state officials. He emphasized his administration’s commitment to ongoing relief efforts and reaffirmed plans to restructure FEMA for greater flexibility and response efficiency.
The President issued a federal disaster declaration, expanding major disaster status to eight additional counties beyond Kerr. This move unlocks critical federal funding for housing, infrastructure repair, and public health services.
Burnet County Updates
If your home or business was significantly impacted, Burnet is offering a utility assistance program. To request help, call 512-756-6093 (Option 1) or email [email protected] with your name, phone number, and address of the impacted property. Use the subject line: Utility Assistance Request.
In the days following the flood, multiple Burnet County communities experienced major infrastructure damage. Rural roads collapsed, bridges were submerged or washed away, and utilities in some neighborhoods remain unstable. Emergency teams are working to restore critical services and access routes.
Park Closures
Hamilton Creek Park and Galloway Hammond City Park are closed until further notice due to flood damage. Cleanup and safety inspections are underway. City officials request the public to stay out of these areas for safety reasons.
Significant erosion has altered park landscapes, with hiking trails destroyed, playground equipment damaged, and picnic areas covered in debris and mud. Restoration timelines are currently unknown, but city leaders are already coordinating with state parks departments and seeking emergency grants for rebuilding.
Water Conservation
Water production has returned to normal. However, the City remains in Stage 2 water restrictions under the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) guidelines. Updates will be shared as conditions evolve.
For more updates, visit: www.cityofburnet.com/floodevent
Marble Falls Area: Dam Operations and Recovery
Floodgate operations are active at Wirtz and Starcke Dams. As of July 10, one floodgate is open at each to manage runoff. Water is being passed downstream into Lake Travis, increasing flow rates. Residents along the riverbanks are urged to secure property and remain vigilant.
Neighborhoods along Backbone Creek and in lower-lying Marble Falls subdivisions saw dramatic water level rises, prompting rapid evacuations. Many homes remain without power, and city utility crews are working tirelessly to repair water mains and electrical lines.
Lake Closures and Debris
Lake Marble Falls remains closed due to hazardous debris, swift currents, and elevated bacteria levels. The Water Surface Management Team is assessing buoy damage and marking submerged obstacles. Boaters are strongly advised to avoid all Highland Lakes for the time being.
Volunteers and city staff are deploying boom lines and floating barriers to contain and remove debris. Additional environmental testing is underway to evaluate water quality and determine when it’s safe to reopen the lake to recreational use.
For FAQs about debris and clean-up protocols, visit the LCRA website.
Search for Chief Phillips
The Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Department continues its search for missing Fire Chief Phillips. An engine has been placed in front of the station for Chief Phillips. The department expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support and vowed to continue the search with unwavering determination.
Fire departments from neighboring counties have joined the search, using sonar, K-9 units, and infrared drones. The emotional weight of Chief Phillips’ disappearance is felt deeply across the region, and efforts to find him remain a top priority.
Llano County Update
In Llano County, residents faced a rapid and terrifying surge as the Llano River rose dramatically within minutes during the early hours of July 4. Flash flood warnings were issued after intense storms dropped 1 to 4 inches of rain across the area, overwhelming creeks and riverbeds already swollen from days of rainfall. Entire neighborhoods in low-lying communities experienced sudden inundation, with some homes swept off their foundations. In Center Point, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents like Nathan and Audrey Rich narrowly escaped with their lives, returning days later to find their wedding album among the debris—a rare moment of hope in the midst of devastation. Emergency responders and volunteers have been working tirelessly to clear debris, assist displaced families, and monitor water levels. With memories of past flooding events still fresh, the community is rallying together once again to rebuild, drawing strength from one another and the lessons of resilience etched into Llano’s history.
In Kingsland, a community in eastern Llano County where the Colorado and Llano Rivers converge, locals watched in horror as a popular low-water crossing known as “The Slab” was swallowed by rising waters in under 10 minutes. Often used as a swimming and gathering spot during calmer times, the Slab became a scene of danger as a wall of water rushed over the granite rock bed, sweeping debris and closing access in both directions. Dramatic timelapse footage captured the river’s rise, prompting swift action from first responders who closed off the area and launched rescue efforts nearby. Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid The Slab and other low-water crossings until safety inspections are complete. The event underscores the unpredictable nature of Hill Country floods and the vital importance of heeding weather alerts.
Kerr County Emergency Orders and Community Response
Local officials have asked residents to hold off on property cleanup to ensure safety assessments can be completed. A burn ban is active, and emergency crews are focusing on restoring critical infrastructure.
Despite the devastation, acts of compassion and unity are shining through. Charities, volunteers, and neighbors from across the state are stepping up to support the community. Donations of food, supplies, and manpower are pouring into shelters and command centers.
Faith-based groups, school districts, and small businesses have all mobilized to provide shelter, meals, and medical aid. The local Chamber of Commerce has launched a relief fund to support small businesses impacted by the flooding.
At a Glance: Flood Impact Summary
Category Details Confirmed Fatalities 121 (including 36 children) Missing Persons 170+ (including 161 in Kerr) Camp Mystic Victims 27 confirmed dead, 6 missing Rescues Conducted 400+ Federal Disaster Areas 9 counties President’s Trump Visit July 11, toured Kerr County
Texans continue to demonstrate resilience and unity in the face of historic tragedy. Search and recovery efforts will continue into the coming weeks. For those in impacted areas, stay alert, follow official guidance, and extend support wherever possible.
