Officials Confirm 36 Children Among Dead in Kerr County Flood; 161 Still Missing

Kerr County officials announced Thursday morning that the devastating flooding that impacted the Texas Hill Country last week has resulted in 96 fatalities, including 36 children. Currently, 161 individuals remain unaccounted for, including five campers and one counselor from the all-girls Camp Mystic.

Jonathan Lamb, community services officer with the Kerrville Police Department, reported that over 2,100 responders from 10 states, along with assistance from two additional states en route, are actively engaged in search and recovery operations. The teams consist of federal, state, and local officials who specialize in high-risk rescue operations. 

Lamb could not specify the exact mileage of the river that has been searched, but he assured the public that the efforts are comprehensive and methodical.

Lamb highlighted that, although the community appreciates the efforts of volunteers, the search is currently being conducted solely by trained professionals due to safety and operational considerations. He mentioned that there may be a need for volunteers in the future as circumstances change.

To enhance communication, authorities are urging individuals who have reported a missing person to notify them if that individual has returned safely. This can be done by emailing kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov or by calling 830-258-1111.

A disaster recovery center, in collaboration with the State of Texas, FEMA, and the Small Business Administration, has commenced operations at First Baptist Church in Kerrville. It will be accessible daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Lamb announced that a thorough examination of the emergency response will take place during a special legislative session on July 21, with a focus on flood warning systems, communication protocols, and recovery funding as key priorities.