KERRVILLE, TX – The aftermath of severe flooding in Kerr County has left the community grappling with extensive damage, as search and rescue operations continue. The Guadalupe River inundated Lois Hayes Park, previously designated as the site for the city’s Fourth of July celebration, leaving devastation in its wake.
A semi-truck trailer, serving as a mobile stage, has been severely damaged, illustrating the force of the floodwaters. Nearby, what remains of a gazebo’s roof has been displaced far from its original location. The park, which was submerged hours earlier, now reveals uprooted trees and damaged infrastructure, though parts remain underwater.
Residents have started to survey the destruction, while emergency responders persist in their efforts to locate and aid those in peril. Helicopters and planes, operated by state and federal agencies, including the Coast Guard, are actively searching the area from above, navigating just above the treetops.
The response teams are working tirelessly to rescue individuals trapped by the flood, often resorting to airlifts due to impassable roads. Local authorities have confirmed 13 fatalities, with fears that the number could increase. The focus remains on finding the missing, particularly at places like Camp Mystic, though officials have not disclosed an exact count of those unaccounted for.
Communication challenges persist, complicating efforts to determine the status of missing persons. With the river still high and more rain forecasted, concerns about further flooding loom large.
City officials plan to provide updates on the situation, with the governor expected to address the community later in the evening. The evolving crisis underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and support as Kerrville navigates this disaster.