July 12, 2025 More than a week after historic flash floods swept through Texas Hill Country, the official Texas flooding death toll has risen to 129, with dozens still missing. Rescue teams are continuing their relentless search for victims as a new flood watch is now in effect for the same region. Officials are also facing increasing public pressure to answer how this disaster escalated so quickly — and what could have been done to prevent it.
A Rising Toll: The Latest Numbers
The disaster began on July 4, 2025, when torrential rainfall caused the Guadalupe River to overflow, sending violent floodwaters through communities, camps, and residential areas in the Texas Hill Country.
According to local authorities:
- Kerr County reported 103 deaths – including 67 adults and 36 children.
- Travis County raised its total to 9.
- Other counties affected include Kendall (8), Burnet (5), Williamson (3), and Tom Green (1).
Over 170 people are still missing, with most from Kerr County alone. Local officials warn that the toll may continue to rise as recovery teams access more remote areas covered in debris and mud.
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Fresh Flood Watch in Effect
The National Weather Service has placed the Texas Hill Country under a new flood watch, active through the evening of July 13. Forecasts suggest between 1 to 3 inches of rainfall, with isolated areas potentially receiving up to 6 inches.
This added rainfall poses a serious risk to already saturated regions, with potential flash floods threatening creeks, low-water crossings, and riverbanks along the I-35 corridor, from Austin to San Antonio.
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Search & Rescue Continues
Rescue teams — including local responders, volunteers, and federal units — continue their round-the-clock mission. More than 2,000 personnel, supported by drones, swift-water boats, and K-9 units, are deployed across flood-hit regions.
No one has been found alive since the initial rescue operations on July 4.
A notable case includes Michael Phillips, a volunteer firefighter from Burnet County, who went missing during a rescue call. His vehicle has been recovered, but he remains unaccounted for.
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Tragedy at Camp Mystic
The flood claimed 27 lives from Camp Mystic, a nearly century-old all-girls Christian camp located along the Guadalupe River. Among the victims:
- Katherine Ferruzzo, a counselor and recent Houston high school graduate.
- Campers including Sarah Marsh (8), Hanna and Rebecca Lawrence (14), and Chloe Childress (19).
- Camp owner Dick Eastland.
Katherine’s family shared in a statement:
“She had a fierce and loving spirit. We are grateful to those who worked tirelessly to find her.”
What Caused the Texas Flooding?
Experts attribute the disaster to a mesoscale convective system, fueled by remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, which dumped 20+ inches of rain over the Hill Country.
The area is part of “Flash Flood Alley,” one of the most flood-prone regions in the U.S., due to its rocky terrain and shallow soil that can’t absorb water quickly.
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Alert System Under Scrutiny
Serious questions are being raised about the lack of early warning systems:
- Kerr County reportedly declined funding for an emergency siren system multiple times in recent years.
- Residents relied only on text alerts, which many missed due to poor cell service or late delivery.
Critics argue that better preparedness and infrastructure could have saved lives.
Political Reactions
Former President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump visited the flood zone on July 11, offering condolences and praising the emergency response.
“It’s hard to believe the devastation. Everyone did an incredible job under the circumstances,” Trump said.
Governor Greg Abbott has mobilized resources from several states — including Wisconsin K-9 units, Arkansas Black Hawk helicopters, and California water rescue boats.
He thanked all supporting states and emphasized:
“Texas is deploying everything necessary to protect lives as we move forward.”
Community Response
The response from the public has been overwhelming. In Kerrville, donations of food and supplies exceeded actual need. Authorities urged well-meaning residents to hold off on more aid for now.
Officials are now coordinating volunteer registration through Tivy Antler Stadium to ensure safety and effectiveness during recovery.
Could the Missing Never Be Found?
The fear that some victims may never be recovered is now setting in. The flood left behind:
- Collapsed homes and trailers
- Upturned vehicles buried under mud
- Huge debris fields of logs and trash
A single pickup truck, completely submerged in rock and sludge, was found 10 miles downstream from Kerrville — raising concerns about what else remains buried and unseen.
Is More Flooding Expected?
Unfortunately, yes. The saturated land cannot handle much more water. New rainfall could immediately run off into rivers, causing rapid water level rise and flash floods.
The National Weather Service warns that the combination of heavy rain and unstable ground could result in “numerous instances of flash flooding” throughout the weekend.
Who’s to Blame?
When asked about community preparedness, both President Trump and Governor Abbott avoided blaming local agencies.
Trump said:
“Only a very evil person would ask a question like that.”
Abbott added:
“Blame is the word choice of losers. Right now, we’re focused on saving lives.”
Still, many Texans are demanding accountability for the lack of sirens, outdated flood zone maps, and insufficient infrastructure.
Breakdown of Fatalities by County
| County | Deaths |
|---|---|
| Kerr County | 103 |
| Travis County | 9 |
| Kendall County | 8 |
| Burnet County | 5 |
| Williamson County | 3 |
| Tom Green County | 1 |
| Total | 129 |
Q1. How many people have died in the Texas floods?
A: As of July 12, 2025, at least 129 people have been confirmed dead.
Q2. Which area was affected the most?
A: Kerr County was the most impacted, with 103 deaths and over 160 people still missing.
Q3. Why wasn’t there a proper flood warning?
A: Kerr County declined funding for sirens; only text alerts were used, which many residents missed.
Q4. Are more floods expected?
A: Yes. A new flood watch is in effect through July 13, with possible rainfall of up to 6 inches.
Q5. What is the government doing now?
A: Texas has deployed search crews, accepted aid from other states, and declared a state of emergency.
