Most should have heard by now about the devastating flash floods that hit Kerr County and surrounding areas in Texas. I would like to begin by saying that there are many ways you can help those affected by the Guadalupe River flooding. Donations can be made to the following organizations:
- Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
- HEB Disaster Relief Fund: Texas Flooding Support
- Center Point Volunteer Fire Department
- Texans on a Mission
Devastation in Kerr County
The 4th of July weekend, that should have been a time of celebration, turned to one of tragedy and sorrow in Kerr County, Texas, as devastating floods swept through the hill country, leaving a heartbreaking trail of destruction in their wake. As of Tuesday, July 15th, officials confirmed that at least 107 lives have been lost—70 adults and 37 children. The rising death count makes this one of the deadliest natural disasters in the region’s recent history.
Another 97 people are still missing with search and rescue missions continuing around the clock. Though the number of missing has dropped from a high of 161 reported last week, the emotional weight remains staggering.
Community Support In a Time of Tragedy
Amid the devastation, the spirit of the community has shone brightly. In towns like Kerrville, Center Point, and Hunt, neighbors, volunteers, and first responders have come together in an extraordinary show of support, compassion, and determination.
Floodwaters tore through neighborhoods along the Guadalupe River early Friday morning, turning homes into rubble and scattering lives in an instant. For Amanda Whitworth, a Center Point resident and local school employee, the damage hit close to home—literally. Her neighborhood was among the hardest hit.
“Yesterday, I got up and I went to see where I’m needed and I came down the road that we’re standing on right now from my house, took the corner and there were cars from people searching all the way back up in front of the school,” Whitworth said in an interview.
Kerr County’s Missing Children
One of the most painful parts of the recovery effort is the search for those still unaccounted for, especially children. “It is very overwhelming,” Whitworth said. “There is so much happening in our community. The girls that are still lost out in Hunt, is just heartbreaking. I have two daughters myself. I have a senior and a freshman this year in school, and I don’t know what I would even do if I lost them at this point.”
Volunteers like Robert Faulkenberg, an associate judge for the Child Protection Court of South Texas, have rolled up their sleeves to help. He and his son spent the weekend helping comb through debris. “We went and gave some of our time, they [first responders] are giving all of their time. They are out there putting everything on the line working to bring people home and bring people closure,” Faulkenberg said in an interview with a local news outlet.
Difficulties In Accounting For Kerr County’s Missing
Gov. Greg Abbott acknowledged the difficulty in accounting for the missing. Abbott said in an interview; “Everybody who is at a camp, everybody who is at a hotel and places like that, they’ve been identified. Those who are missing on this list, most of them were more difficult to identify because there was no record of them logging in anywhere, and it was through information provided by a friend, family member, co-worker, what the case may be that they haven’t been found.” According to Abbott, at least 131 people have been killed in the flooding across Texas. As Kerr County officials explained, the missing persons list fluctuates with every hotline report, every confirmed recovery, and every safe contact made.
Over in neighboring Kendall County, officials confirmed the recovery of 9 bodies, but say no additional people are currently unaccounted for there.
Kerr County’s Perserverance
And yet, in the darkest of times, hope endures. Texas state and federal agencies have vowed to stay the course until every missing person is found and every family has answers. The collective resolve is strong, fueled by the tireless efforts of volunteers, emergency personnel, and ordinary citizens doing extraordinary things.
“I live by the motto of: see a need, fill a need. It’s overwhelming in both ways, both ends of the spectrum, the good and the bad. When you see the destruction and the devastation. The air is heavy here. It truly is,” said Sean Hays, a volunteer with family ties to the area.
As Kerr County faces unimaginable loss, it’s clear that the community’s greatest strength lies in its unity. Amid the rubble and heartbreak, people are choosing to show up for one another. And in that, they’re building the first foundations of healing.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the victims of the Texas flooding as well as the first responders who are risking their lives to bring those still missing home.