Texas flood missing toll revised sharply down to three
A damaged and overturned car is seen after severe flash flooding in Hunt, Texas, on 5 July 2025. Rescuers were on Saturday searching for more than 20 girls missing from a riverside summer camp in the US state of Texas, after torrential rains caused devastating flooding that killed at least 27 people -- with more rain on the way. "So far, we've evacuated over 850 uninjured people, eight injured people and have recovered 27 deceased fatalities at this time. Of these 27, 18 are adults, nine are children," said Kerr Country Sheriff Larry Leitha on 5 July.
Ronaldo Schemidt / AFP
Authorities in Texas have sharply lowered the number of people still believed missing after catastrophic flooding earlier this month, saying the search continued for three individuals in the worst-hit area of the US state.
At least 135 people died in central Texas, including more than three dozen children, after strong downpours sparked flash flooding at the beginning of the July 4 holiday weekend.
Recovery teams have been combing the banks of the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, the epicenter of the deadly flooding, hoping to find the bodies of those still missing, which last week was estimated to be near 100.
"The Kerr County Flood Disaster Joint Information Center can confirm that three individuals remain missing at this time from the July 4 flood disaster," the county said in a statement late Saturday.
"Extensive follow-up work" had determined that many individuals originally listed as missing had been verified as safe, it said.
"We are profoundly grateful to the more than 1,000 local, state and federal authorities who have worked tirelessly in the wake of the devastating flood that struck our community," said Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice.
"Thanks to their extraordinary efforts, the number of individuals previously listed as missing has dropped from over 160 to three."
Dozens of deaths were reported in other counties, with the body of at least one person in Burnet County, a local fire chief, yet to be found.
The flooding of the Guadalupe River was particularly devastating for summer camps on its banks, including Camp Mystic, where 27 girls and counselors died.
US President Donald Trump toured the devastation on July 11 with his wife Melania, as his administration faced questions over its response in the immediate aftermath and plans to devolve federal emergency management to states.