Kerr County Officials Provide Update on Central Texas Flooding and Rescue Operations

Ongoing Rescue and Recovery Efforts

• 🚨 Kerr County officials are providing updates on the ongoing rescue and recovery operations following a tragic flood event.
• 💧 The Guadalupe River corridor is the primary focus for search and rescue efforts.
• ⏱️ Numbers provided are as of 8:55 a.m. and are subject to rapid change.

Impact and Casualties

• 💔 Over 1850 uninjured people and 8 injured people have been evacuated.
• 😔 Tragically, 27 deceased fatalities have been recovered, including 18 adults and 9 children.
• ⚠️ Of the deceased, 6 adults and 1 child are currently unidentified.

Reporting Missing Persons and Support

• 📞 A call center has been established to report missing persons at 830-285-1111.
• 📧 An email address, [email protected], is also available for reporting missing individuals.
• 🏠 A shelter for the general public is located at the First United Methodist Church at 321 Thompson Drive in Kerrville.
• 🙏 Donations are not needed at this time; coordination is being done with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country.

Official Statements and Response

• 🇺🇸 U.S. Representative Chip Roy expressed support and highlighted the rapid rise of floodwaters, emphasizing the heroic efforts of first responders.
• 🗣️ Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. stressed that today will be a hard day and directed people to the city's Facebook page for information on how to help.
• 🏙️ City Manager Dalton Rice noted that operations continued through the night with helicopters and that ground operations began southwest of Hunt this morning.

Search Challenges and Future Focus

• 🏞️ Search teams are navigating difficult and debris-filled terrain along the riverbanks, conducting primary searches in various locations.
• ❓ Officials acknowledge the need to address long-term questions about preventing loss of life but are currently focused on search and rescue efforts.
• ⚠️ Residents are urged to use extreme caution on roads due to potential damage and debris, and to avoid conducting their own searches.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Grief counselors are available for those needing support, and reunification efforts are ongoing.
• ❓ The number of missing persons is complex, including known missing campers from Camp Mystic and an unknown number of local residents or visitors.