Devastating Texas Floods Leave 161 Missing Amid Search Operations

Mon Oct 20 2025 10:02:04 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Four days after destructive floods, rescuers continue the search for those unaccounted for in Kerr County, Texas, while recovery efforts face significant challenges.

As officials report at least 161 people still missing in Texas following catastrophic floods, search and rescue operations, involving multiple agencies, remain ongoing. The death toll has reached 109, with a large number of casualties concentrated in Kerr County. Authorities are grappling with the scale of damage while facing questions about flood preparedness.

Days after catastrophic flash floods struck Texas, a harrowing 161 individuals remain unaccounted for in Kerr County, where emergency efforts face mounting challenges. Governor Greg Abbott announced that the death toll has risen to at least 109, with a significant portion of these fatalities occurring in the Kerrville region. Among the missing are five campers and their counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located along the Guadalupe River.

In addition to Texas, New Mexico has also declared a flash flood emergency, with warnings for severe flooding issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). As search and rescue teams persist in their efforts, Governor Abbott assured the public that emergency crews will continue working until every person is accounted for. He warned that the number of missing individuals could rise.

General Thomas Suelzer, from the Texas National Guard, shared that extensive aerial resources, including 13 Black Hawk helicopters and reaper drones, are deployed in the search. Over 250 responders from various agencies, including border patrol and the FBI, are currently assisting in recovery efforts.

Rescue volunteers have described the devastation as unprecedented, with one individual stating, "I've never seen any destruction at this scale before." They compare their search efforts to sifting through a haystack, while the widespread destruction complicates access to certain areas.

As investigations commence regarding flood preparedness and warning protocols, Governor Abbott stated that although storm warnings were issued, the magnitude of the disaster exceeded expectations, leading to tragic outcomes. Meanwhile, residents who survived are now focused on rebuilding their lives, with many homes completely destroyed.

In New Mexico, swift flooding has already led to residents being trapped and houses washed away. Local officials in Ruidoso are working diligently to rescue individuals from perilous conditions as waters reach alarming levels. The situation remains dire, as the community grapples with the aftermath of severe weather conditions across the region.