by The death toll from the devastating July 4 flash flood in Texas Hill Country has climbed to 129, with over 170 people still missing, as authorities suspended recovery efforts on Sunday morning due to renewed rainfall and a new flash flood warning.
Key Developments:
- Death Toll:
- Kerr County: 103 confirmed dead, including 36 children
- Travis County: 9 dead, 4 missing; Lake Travis remains closed
- Kendall County: 8 dead
- Burnet County: 5 dead; Volunteer Fire Chief Mike Phillips still missing
- Williamson County: 3 dead, 1 missing
- Tom Green County: 1 confirmed dead
- Search Suspended:
- At 7:49 a.m. Sunday, Kerrville Police suspended ground recovery efforts due to increasing flood danger.
- At 8:59 a.m., Kerrville city issued a flash flood warning through 11:30 a.m., urging all crews and volunteers to evacuate the Guadalupe River corridor.
- Warnings Issued:
- City alert: “Do not attempt to travel unless fleeing a flood zone.”
- NWS radar: Rainfall of 2–4 inches per hour expected in Llano, Kerr, and Gillespie counties
- Flash flood warnings issued for:
- Buchanan Dam
- Lake Village
- Valley Spring
- Bertram
- Briggs
- Watson
- National Weather Service Update:
- Flash flood risk continues Sunday morning.
- Though the magnitude has lessened since Saturday night, localized impacts remain likely.
Ongoing Emergency Response:
- 12,000+ volunteers assisting recovery across the Hill Country
- Emergency personnel from 13 states have joined efforts
- 19 K9 cadaver dog teams deployed
Background:
Kerrville officials are under scrutiny for failing to issue an early evacuation order prior to the deadly flooding. The city is now issuing frequent alerts as the region braces for more rain and potential flash floods.
Residents are urged to monitor weather updates and stay away from riverbanks and low-lying areas. Authorities stress the importance of not walking or driving through flood waters, as dangerous conditions persist.
