A devastating course of events took place in Central Texas and the Hill Country over the July 4th holiday as deadly flooding rampaged the area.
Flooding, though not as severe, even impacted Erath County.
Extreme rainfall amounts started with Tropical Storm Barry which formed off the coast of Mexico and made landfall in northern Mexico on June 30. This led to tropical moisture remaining in the atmosphere, heading north to Texas and eventually colliding with a lowpressure system that became nearly stationary over Central Texas.
As intense thunderstorm after thunderstorm developed, huge amounts of rainfall were dropped into creeks, ravines and streams that feed into the Guadalupe River. This led to flash flooding that occurred within minutes at the Guadalupe River, Kerr County and the surrounding area.
Reports are that the river rose 37 feet within 45 minutes in the middle of the night.
Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls established in 1926 was directly impacted by the floodwaters.
With the July 4th holiday drawing crowds to the river and Camp Mystic in full swing at least 109 people were killed across the region, including 28 children and 56 adults in Kerr County. At least seven people died in Travis County, six in Kendall County, three in Burnet County, two in Williamson County and one in Tom Green County. Portraits of those killed emerged on social media and news outlets over the weekend, including kids who texted their relatives that they loved them.
At least 161 people were reported missing across the region on Tuesday, but it is not clear how many people in total are still unaccounted for. A local government official said it was still “a lot” after days of search and rescue operations. Those searching said they have been dealing with prank calls, false tips and rugged terrain across a roughly 60-mile area.
“I had the opportunity yesterday to visit Camp Mystic to see firsthand what happened there,” said Governor Greg Abbott on Sunday, July 6. “It was nothing short of horrific. We’re here in Austin today because there have been lives lost in this greater region. We are broadening the area that we’re focused on, but we are not reducing our focus in the Kerrville area. There are dangers over the next 24-48 hours that could pose public safety threats. If there’s any water on the road, the most important thing you can do is to protect your lives. Remember: Turn Around, Don’t Drown. Texas continues our 24/7 operations to search for anybody who was affected by these deadly storms.”
Immediately Texans and those from across the country jumped in to offer help those recovering from the floods, and those mourning the loss of their loved ones.
Both Governor Abbott and President Donald Trump have approved disaster assistance both from a state and national level.
“President Trump stands strong with Texas in our time of need, and I thank him for swiftly approving Texas’ disaster declaration request,” said Governor Abbott. “This federal support will ensure local officials, emergency management personnel, and first responders have the critical resources they need to help Texans rebuild and recover from these devastating floods. Our hearts continue to grieve for our fellow Texans who have endured unspeakable loss. We continue to work around the clock with our federal and local partners to search for those still missing and to help impacted Texans move forward.”
Gov. Abbott also commended U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Kristi Noem for visiting Kerr County over the weekend to get critical updates from local officials and first responders so the federal government can keep providing all necessary resources to assist in response and recovery efforts.
The State of Texas has deployed over 1,500 personnel and more than 925 vehicles and equipment assets. More than 20 state agencies are currently responding to flooding threats across the state.
In Erath County as the same rain system moved in Sunday, July 6, localized flooding was reported in the area.
In Stephenville, Village Mobile Home Park off Washington Street was voluntarily evacuated as floodwaters rose.
The Legacy was opened as a temporary shelter for anyone needing to escape the rain.
“Thank you to Erath County, Stephenville, Dublin teams, along with our volunteer fire departments, Texas Game Wardens and Texas A&M Task Force rescue who have been working to ensure the safety of our communities. It takes us all to be prepared, and we have some of the finest men and women serving us,” Erath County Judge Brandon Huckabee said.
As part of the flooding in Stephenville, the Erath County Humane Society requested emergency foster families to come get approximately 75 dogs for overnight instead of the animals having to spend time in flooded and muddy kennels. Within hours the dogs had been taken to warm and dry homes.
“We can’t thank you enough for stepping up in this emergency and showing these precious souls what love looks like,” Erath County Humane Society wrote via social media. “From the bottom of our hearts (and paws), thank you!”
In Dublin, flooding was reported on South Camden Street and a large live oak tree at City Park fell over due to soggy ground impacting the root system.