The devastating floods sweeping through Central Texas have left at least 173 people still unaccounted for, while the official death toll climbed to 111 on Tuesday, according to state authorities.
Governor Greg Abbott addressed the tragedy in a press briefing, vowing that first responders “will not stop until every missing person is accounted for.” He warned, however, that “more names could very likely be added to that list.”
The situation remains dire, especially in Kerr County, the hardest-hit region, where 87 fatalities have been confirmed and 161 individuals remain missing. Many of those who perished were attending Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp tragically overtaken by raging floodwaters.
Search teams on Tuesday recovered the body of Blakely McCrory, one of the campers swept away while staying in a riverside cabin. Her family confirmed the heartbreaking news, stating they “mourn her absence” but also “choose to celebrate her life.”
Breakdown of Confirmed Fatalities and Missing Persons by County:
Kerr County: 87 dead, 161 missing
Travis County: 7 dead, 10 missing
Kendall County: 8 dead, none missing
Burnet County: 5 dead, 1 missing
Williamson County: 3 dead, 1 missing
Tom Green County: 1 dead, none missing
As search efforts continue across the flood-stricken state, officials have confirmed the operation has transitioned from rescue to recovery, a grim acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.
Flash Flood Emergency in New Mexico
As Texas grapples with the aftermath, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a chilling new flash flood warning for areas of southern New Mexico, including Ruidoso, Alto, and Glencoe — a region home to 13,591 residents, six schools, and one hospital.
The warning includes the Mountain View Christian Camp along Little Creek in Alto, with the NWS calling the situation “extremely dangerous and life-threatening.”
“Seek higher ground immediately,” the alert reads.
“Do not attempt to travel unless you are evacuating or fleeing floodwaters.”
Authorities are warning residents that roads and driveways may be completely washed away, and those encountering floodwaters should climb to safety without hesitation.
House Swept Away in New Mexico Floodwaters
In a striking visual reminder of the storm’s power, dramatic footage captured in New Mexico showed an entire home being swept away by fast-moving water, underscoring the severity of the conditions still unfolding in neighboring states.
A Growing Crisis
Tuesday’s updated figures reveal the staggering scope of the disaster, and the numbers are expected to worsen in the days ahead. With 173 individuals still missing, and severe weather still threatening nearby regions, the human toll may continue to rise.
Governor Abbott reiterated the state’s commitment to search and recovery efforts:
“Know this — we will not stop until every person is accounted for.”
As the region braces for additional rainfall and flash flooding, officials are urging everyone in at-risk areas to take warnings seriously and move to higher ground immediately. For families still waiting for news of their missing loved ones, the next few days will be critical — and agonizing.