On July 6, 2025, officials reported that the death toll from severe flooding in Texas has risen to at least 70, with the majority of fatalities occurring in Kerr County due to torrential rains that began on July 4. The flooding, triggered by over a foot of rain in some areas, caused the Guadalupe River to swell dramatically, leading to widespread devastation. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 59 deaths in his jurisdiction as of Sunday morning, including 38 adults and 21 children, with 11 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic still missing. Search and rescue operations, involving hundreds of responders, have rescued over 850 people, many from precarious positions such as clinging to trees. The disaster prompted a major response, with Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem overseeing efforts, including deployment of the Texas National Guard and federal resources. The National Weather Service noted the river reached its second-highest level on record, surpassing a 1987 flood mark, though local officials indicated a lack of an effective warning system contributed to the initial impact. Additional rain is expected through Tuesday, raising concerns about further flooding in saturated areas. President Donald Trump declared a major disaster, unlocking federal aid, while Governor Abbott designated July 6 as a Day of Prayer to support affected communities. The ongoing search focuses on locating the missing individuals, with no specific timeline provided. The event has drawn significant attention, with rescue efforts continuing to adapt to the evolving conditions, and the final toll may adjust as operations progress.
34news.online
34news.online
