Death toll continues to rise in Texas flood disaster!

The major flood disaster in the US state of Texas has resulted in loss of life. According to official sources, the death toll has risen to at least 111, while it has been stated that the number of missing persons in Kerr County, one of the most affected areas, has exceeded 170. Local authorities have pointed out that the announced figures may not fully reflect the reality.

CAMPGROUNDS SUBMERGED

It was reported that campgrounds in and around Kerr County were particularly submerged, and it is difficult to reach an accurate number of missing persons because some individuals staying there were not registered. Two senior officials stated that the publicly announced missing person figures could be far below the actual numbers.

NEW REPORT OF LOSS OF LIFE FROM WILLIAMSON COUNTY

Connie Odom, a spokesperson for Williamson County, stated in a press briefing on Tuesday evening that a third death in the county had been confirmed. Odom said, "We sent the update when the missing person was found. There are currently three deaths."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott made striking statements regarding the scale of the flood disaster during a press conference. Stating that the number of missing persons in Kerr County has exceeded 170, Abbott expressed that the impact of the storm was much greater than previously anticipated.

"As officials, we had directed our resources to the field days in advance in anticipation of a serious flood disaster. However, no one could have foreseen that we would encounter a 30-foot wall of water," said Abbott, emphasizing that crisis plans were activated two days before the event and that response teams were on high alert.

AROUND-THE-CLOCK SEARCH AND RESCUE

Search and rescue operations launched after the disaster are continuing without interruption. Hundreds of people have been evacuated to safe areas in operations conducted in cooperation with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Coast Guard units, and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM). Thermal drones and underwater robots are being used to track children and family members who went missing, particularly in the campgrounds. There are concerns that new bodies may be found under the debris that emerged after the waters receded in some areas.

SUPPORT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP

US President Donald Trump also spoke about the issue at a cabinet meeting held at the White House. "I saw parents pulling their children out of the mud and the wreckage of cabins. Our rescue teams have done a great job. Our federal resources are fully on the ground," said Trump, adding, "We are in constant contact with Governor Abbott. The aid process will continue," in a message of support.

MISSING PERSONS MAY INCREASE, TEAMS ARE BEING REINFORCED

On the other hand, it was reported that efforts to find the missing will be further intensified in the coming days. While additional rescue teams are being directed to the region, it was stated that infrastructure damage and transportation disruptions caused by the flood are hindering the work.

THE BIGGEST DISASTER IN HALF A CENTURY

Recorded as one of the most devastating natural events of the summer of 2025, this disaster also ranks among the events that have caused the highest loss of life in Texas in the last 50 years. The public in the region is still in shock, and all eyes are now turned to the search for the missing.

News Source: İHA