TEXAS (KXAN) — Thursday marks seven days since flash floods in Central Texas killed more than 100 people.
As survivors begin recovery efforts, state and local emergency responders continue to search for missing people in several counties.
At least 120 deaths have been confirmed in six counties. As of Thursday, 161 people were missing in Kerr County alone. Overall, at least 172 people remain missing in the state.
Here’s what we know about some of the victims.
Here are the top headlines:
- Resources for Texans affected by flooding: Find shelter, supplies and assistance
- Today’s forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team
- Why were flash floods across Central Texas so catastrophic? Read Meteorologist Freddy Vela’s weather blog post.
- Previous KXAN live blogs: July 4, July 5, July 6, July 7. July 8, July 9
- “Total destruction”: 10 still missing in Travis County, Big Sandy Creek area devastated
- “Hunt Strong”: Community icon, the Hunt Store, destroyed in Kerr Co. flood
- Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding; Austin Firefighters Association president calls no confidence vote
- The final missing person in Burnet County is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief, sheriff says
- How does FEMA work? Owner of emergency response company explains FEMA’s process
LATEST UPDATES
10:15 a.m. Kendall County said its number of recoveries remains at eight.
“Our federal, state, and local teams are back at it again this morning. They’re tired. They’re exhausted. But they continue to show up, just as they have since early Friday morning. With compassion, respect, and unwavering dignity, they are here for every family still waiting, still searching, and still hoping for answers.
“You — our community — have lifted their spirits. You’ve carried this heartache with us, but you’ve also helped us stay motivated. Your generosity, encouragement, and love have not gone unnoticed. We are deeply grateful for every donation, every case of water, every meal dropped off, every tool or supply offered. Your cards, hugs, waves, and kind words remind us that we’re not alone,” county officials said.
10:03 a.m. As of 8 a.m., Kerr County officials said there were 96 confirmed deaths—60 adults and 36 children. The number of missing people remains at 161, including five Camp Mystic campers and one counselor.
8:39 a.m. Kerr County is expected to hold a news conference at 10 a.m. to provide an update on search and recovery efforts. KXAN will live stream that conference in this blog.
7:01 a.m. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) said one floodgate remained open at both Wirtz and Starcke dams to move flood runoff downstream.
Wirtz Dam creates Lake LBJ, and Starcke Dam creates Lake Marble Falls.
“Flows below the dams are higher and faster than usual,” LCRA said.
LCRA advised people to stay out of the Highland Lakes the next few days to avoid flood debris, fast-moving flows and bacteria levels that traditionally increase after a flood event.
6:27 a.m. A new resource to help flood victims in parts of northwest Travis County opens today in Leander.
The center will give those who are affected by recent flooding places to shower, charging stations for devices and computers. It will also have health screenings, first aid and counseling. There will also be food available.
The center is located at Danielson Middle School, 1061 Collaborative Way, Leander. It is open from noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday and then 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, including weekends.
The county said there will also be a free shuttle that will pick up and drop off at the Round Mountain Baptist Church, 14500 Round Mountain Rd., Leander, which has been a home base for many of the rescue efforts.
5:33 a.m.
5:30 a.m. KXAN is back out at the Max Starcke dam. The Starcke and Wirtz dams both had one gate opened overnight after Wednesday’s rains. The Llano River watershed received 2 to 4 inches of rain.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by PostX News and is published from a syndicated feed.)
