Search Intensifies in Texas as 150 Remain Missing Post-Floods

Sat Dec 20 2025 12:20:18 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Frantic rescue operations continue in Kerr County, Texas, with at least 150 individuals still unaccounted for after devastating flash floods left a death toll of 119.

In the wake of catastrophic flooding in Texas, search and rescue missions are ongoing in Kerr County, where authorities report that over 150 individuals are still missing. As recovery efforts continue amid questions about prior flood warnings, the focus remains on locating survivors and aiding communities affected by the floods.

In Texas, still reeling from devastating flash floods, at least 150 people are reported missing in Kerr County five days after the disaster struck. Among the missing are five campers along with a counselor from the Camp Mystic, a summer retreat for girls situated along the Guadalupe River. The situation has escalated to a tragic death toll, with 119 confirmed fatalities, including 95 in the Kerrville region alone.

The flooding has not been confined to Texas; neighboring New Mexico recently declared a flash flood emergency after torrential rains led to at least three deaths. Ruidoso, affected by a rapid influx of water with rainfalls reaching as high as 8.8 cm (3.5 inches), saw rivers overflow, though those waters are now receding.

In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has assured the public that emergency response teams will persist in their search efforts until all missing individuals are accounted for. He anticipates that more names may be added to the list of missing persons as the search continues. Authorities have dispatched rescue helicopters, including Chinook and Black Hawk models, equipped with high-tech drones, to assist in locating survivors.

Collaboration among numerous agencies, including the FBI and border patrol, has brought together over 250 responders dedicated to the Kerrville area search and rescue efforts. Tim, a volunteer rescuer, stated he has never witnessed such far-reaching destruction in his career. Another rescuer highlighted the challenges of searching through vast areas of debris, likening the task to "finding a single hay in a haystack."

Discussions are emerging regarding the adequacy of flood warnings leading up to the rainstorm, with experts citing factors such as extreme weather conditions and terrain challenges. Governor Abbott noted that while a storm warning was issued, the intensity of the flooding was unforeseen.

Much of the devastation occurred in Kerr County, where many of the victims were present during the July Fourth holiday when the Guadalupe River swelled dramatically. Camp Mystic has confirmed that at least 27 campers and staff members perished in the floods.

Amid the chaos, residents are beginning to assess the damage and are focused on recovery. Justin Brown, a local resident, surveyed the remains of his mobile home, now reduced to rubble. He expressed a strong desire to return and rebuild his life on the banks of the river.

On a broader scale, President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the impacted areas to assess the disaster response efforts. In New Mexico, ongoing rescue operations faced challenges as local officials sought to account for missing residents following the sudden floods. As communities work to recover from this natural disaster, hopes remain high for the safe return of the missing.