Texas Governor Greg Abbott Updates on Deadly Kerr County Floods and Missing Persons

Flood Impact and Fatalities

• 💔 Governor Abbott expressed heartbreak over the stories of those affected by the deadly flooding, particularly the girls at Camp Mystic.
• 📌 A total of 94 fatalities are reported in the immediate flood-affected area, with an additional 15 fatalities from other flooding events across Texas, bringing the total to 109 deaths.
• 📈 The number of fatalities in Kerr and Kendall counties alone surpasses those in Hurricane Harvey, highlighting the catastrophic nature of this event.

Missing Persons Update

• 🔍 The primary mission remains locating all missing persons, with efforts continuing for days, weeks, and months.
• 🏕️ At Camp Mystic, the number of missing has been reduced to five campers and one counselor, plus one additional missing child not associated with the camp, totaling seven missing in Kerr County.
• 🏠 However, a new update indicates 161 people are known to be missing in the Kerr County area alone, compiled from combined law enforcement efforts and public reports.
• 📞 A public reminder was issued to call 830-258-1111 or visit kurvillemissing.dps.texas.gov to report any missing individuals.

State and Federal Response

• ✈️ Governor Abbott conducted a flyover to assess the widespread and catastrophic damage, gaining a fuller perspective on what must be done.
• 🇺🇸 President Trump granted a major disaster declaration, which immediately opened access to more funding and resources for debris removal and individual assistance.
• ⚕️ Secretary Robert Kennedy is preparing to declare a public health emergency to facilitate healthcare and mental health provider assistance to the affected areas.

Rebuilding and Support

• 🛠️ The Texas Department of Public Safety is working 24/7 to repair and make roads passable.
• 🤝 Grief counselors are being provided by five organizations to support affected family members.
• 🏛️ A special legislative session is planned in two weeks, with the agenda including assistance for communities affected by the floods, aiming to make them better and more resilient.