Texas Flood Death Toll Reaches 109, Over 160 People Still Missing
The death toll from catastrophic flash floods in Texas has risen to 109, with officials reporting that more than 160 people remain missing. The disaster, which began four days ago, has devastated several counties, with Kerr County being the worst affected. Search and rescue operations are ongoing but are hampered by mud and difficult terrain. The floods struck a youth summer camp, leading to numerous fatalities among children and counsellors. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the affected area.
Unpacked:
The flooding was driven by a combination of torrential rain from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry, a mesoscale convective complex, and the region’s hilly terrain and clay-rich soil, which prevents water absorption and funnels rain into rivers. The Guadalupe River rose dramatically, making the event especially deadly in the Texas Hill Country, an area already known for its vulnerability to flash floods.
The Texas Hill Country, often called 'Flash Flood Alley,' has steep terrain, shallow clay soils, and frequent intense rainfall. This combination causes rainwater to run off quickly into rivers and streams, rather than being absorbed, leading to rapid, dangerous rises in water levels. Its landscape funnels water into floodplains, compounding the risk of flash floods.
Search and rescue efforts are hampered by thick mud, difficult terrain, and lingering high water levels. The hilly, rugged landscape and debris left by rapid flooding make accessing affected areas challenging, slowing down attempts to locate missing people and recover victims.
Officials have launched large-scale search and rescue operations, issued emergency warnings, and coordinated disaster response efforts across affected counties. President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit the area, signaling federal attention and possible mobilization of additional resources to support local relief and recovery operations.