Texas Floods: Kerr County Officials Provide Update on Search and Recovery Efforts

Ongoing Search and Recovery Efforts

• 🔍 Over 2100 responders from state, local, and federal agencies are on the ground in Kerr County, with 10 states sending specially trained teams and two more en route.
• 💔 The mission has become more technical, focusing on rescue and reunification.
• 📍 A grid system is being used for methodical searches to ensure every area is covered.

Confirmed Casualties and Missing Persons

• 😔 As of 8 a.m., there have been 96 confirmed deaths, including 60 adults and 36 children.
• ❓ The number of missing persons remains at 161, which includes five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic.
• 📞 A dedicated email ([email protected]) and phone number (830-258-1111) are available for reporting missing loved ones who have returned safely.

Disaster Assistance and Recovery Resources

• 🏛️ The state of Texas, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration have opened a disaster recovery center in Kerrville at the First Baptist Church (625 Washington Street), open daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• 💰 The individual assistance program can provide financial support for medical, dental, vehicle damage, housing, childcare, and essential items.
• 🌐 Non-residents impacted by the floods can visit disasterassistance.gov, use the FEMA app, or call 1-800-621-3362.

Community Support and Future Protocols

• 🙏 Officials expressed deep appreciation for the overwhelming support from across Texas and the country.
• 🗣️ The governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house are committed to making recovery a priority in the upcoming special legislative session.
• 📝 City and county leadership are committed to a transparent review of processes and protocols, with the special session serving as a starting point.
• ⚠️ While grateful for volunteers, the immediate focus is on certified professional search teams, with a database of volunteers compiled for future needs.
• 📰 Updates will continue to be posted on khu.com, with the tone of the press conferences noted as calmer than previous days.