“Texas Flash Flood Catastrophe: Over 120 Dead, 170 Missing, Billions in Damage After July 4 Disaster”
Catastrophic loss of life: Between July 4–7, torrential rains—some areas received over 20 inches in mere hours—triggered a flash flood along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas. The confirmed death toll has surpassed 120 people statewide, with Kerr County alone recording at least 96 fatalities. Across all impacted counties (Kerr, Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Williamson, Tom Green), the total confirmed deaths now exceed 120, and distressing reports suggest the figure could still rise .
Still unaccounted for: Authorities report that over 170 people remain missing, the majority hailing from Kerr County—reports range from 161 to 173 missing individuals(). Among the missing are more than 20 children from the Camp Mystic girls’ summer camp, where tragic losses included 27 campers and counselors confirmed dead, with several still unlocated . Search operations—with over 2,100 responders, including cadaver dogs, helicopters, and boats—continue amidst daunting debris and heat .
Massive infrastructure devastation: The flooding unleashed widespread damage—Kerr County businesses, schools, water-treatment plantsNews, roads, bridges, and power/communication lines were extensively impacted. Early estimates place economic losses between $18–$22 billion, including replacement of destroyed homes, recreation cabins, roads, and utility systems.
Numerous bridges and secondary roads were washed out or severely compromised, leaving many communities isolated as repair crews race through heat to restore essential services .