Kerr County, Texas, July 9 (V7N) – Hopes of finding survivors are fading in the wake of catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River in Texas, as rescue teams continue their search for more than 170 missing people. The disaster, triggered by sudden and intense rainfall on the morning of July 4, has claimed at least 119 lives, with the death toll steadily increasing as crews dig through wreckage and debris.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Kerr County, where officials confirmed on Wednesday that the number of confirmed fatalities has reached 95, including 36 children. The day prior, the county had reported 87 deaths. Local authorities, including Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha, say that the last live rescue occurred on Friday—nearly five days ago—highlighting the rapidly dwindling chances of finding anyone alive.

State officials estimate that at least 161 people remain missing in Kerr County alone, according to Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Among those still unaccounted for are five campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a historic and much-loved Christian girls’ summer camp situated along the river. The camp, along with nearby homes and campgrounds, was overwhelmed by floodwaters early Friday morning with little warning, giving residents and staff minimal time to evacuate.

Emergency response personnel from multiple agencies, along with hundreds of civilian volunteers, have been working around the clock. Still, the scale of the disaster and the speed of the flood have hampered rescue operations. The riverbanks, covered in debris and mud, make navigation difficult and increase the danger for search teams.

Authorities are urging families of the missing to remain in contact with local emergency centers for updates and DNA collection, which is now being used to help identify recovered victims. Temporary shelters have been set up for those displaced by the floods, and trauma counseling is being offered to survivors, rescue personnel, and the families of the victims.

The federal government has declared the region a disaster area, unlocking emergency funds and resources for the ongoing response and recovery efforts. Weather officials warned that while the immediate threat of flash flooding has passed, the region remains vulnerable due to saturated ground and unstable conditions near riverbanks.

Camp Mystic, founded in the 1920s, is an iconic institution for many families across Texas and beyond. Its tight-knit community has been shaken by the tragedy, with vigils and prayer services being held across the state.

The Guadalupe River flooding is now one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas in recent memory, and with so many still unaccounted for, officials warn that the final toll may rise even higher in the coming days.

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