Texas Floods: Revised Missing Person Count Down to Three Amid Ongoing Recovery Efforts

Historic flooding in central Texas left at least 135 people dead and hundreds more unaccounted for in the aftermath of the Guadalupe River's catastrophic surge. Authorities initially reported 101 missing statewide, including 97 in Kerr County, but through extensive search efforts and verification, the number has been revised down to three. The search for those still missing continues, with officials warning that identifying the victims and reuniting the remaining missing individuals with their families may take time.

Key Takeaways:

• The revised number of missing people in Kerr County has been reduced from 97 to three, with 2,200 personnel deployed to assist in the recovery efforts.
• The search has covered 60 miles of river, murky waters, thick mud, and debris, involving a small army of searchers from across the US and Mexico.
• More than 1,000 first responders and thousands of volunteers have been involved in the response, with officials still recovering bodies and searching for the remaining three individuals.
• At least 107 people in Kerr County died, including 37 children, and the disaster has raised serious questions about local preparedness for flooding.
• The Texas governor has issued a proclamation for the July 21 special legislative session to address flood warning systems, emergency communications, and relief funding for victims.
• The sheriff's office is expected to continue search and recovery efforts for another month or two, which could last up to six months.

Statistics:

• 135 people killed in the flooding in Texas
• 101 people reported missing statewide, including 97 in Kerr County, revised down to 3
• 2,200 personnel deployed to assist in the recovery efforts
• 60 miles of river searched
• Over 1,000 first responders and thousands of volunteers involved in the response
• 107 people killed in Kerr County, including 37 children
• 13 people reported missing beyond Kerr County, including 1 in Travis County and 1 in Burnet County
• Guadalupe River rose 27 feet in 2 hours overnight into the July 4 holiday

Sources:

• Texas officials
• City of Kerrville
• Kerrville Police Department
• Texas Governor Greg Abbott
• CNN article: "Texas floods: Revised missing person count down to 3 amid ongoing recovery efforts"