The catastrophic flash flooding in Texas is worsening by the hour. On Tuesday, Governor Greg Abbott revealed the grim reality: the number of missing persons has skyrocketed to 161 — a staggering fourfold increase overnight from the initial 40. Meanwhile, the death toll now stands at 109, eclipsing the devastation left by Hurricane Harvey.
“We will not stop until every missing person is found,” Abbott declared after surveying the widespread destruction by helicopter. He stressed that this updated tally includes those reported missing by friends, neighbors, and family members, warning the number may continue to climb.
Kerr County and Camp Mystic: The Heart of the Tragedy
Kerr County remains the epicenter of the disaster, with 87 confirmed fatalities — including 27 victims from Camp Mystic, a cherished all-girls Christian summer camp. Five campers are still unaccounted for after the Guadalupe River surged over 30 feet above its normal level on July 4, unleashing a devastating wall of water that overwhelmed the camp.
“It’s like nothing we’ve ever seen before,” a first responder said. Entire communities lie in ruins — overturned vehicles, shattered homes, and snapped trees paint a haunting picture of destruction.
Leadership Faces Pressure Amidst Crisis
Pressed on the delayed flood warnings, Governor Abbott responded sharply, rejecting calls for blame. “We’re focused on saving lives — not assigning fault,” he said firmly. “We’ve got this.”