Deadly Flash Floods in Texas
The Latest on Sunday: Deaths rise to 59 in historic Kerr County flash floods, as other deaths reported elsewhere
At least six people died and 17 others were missing Saturday because of flooding in Travis and Burnet counties, northeast of the catastrophic flooding in Kerr County.
These fatalities add to the 59 deaths already recorded in Kerr County, where heavy rains on Friday caused the Guadalupe River to crest over banks.
Related Floods
How weather conditions set the stage for deadly Texas flash floods
Floods in Travis and Burnet Counties
Four of the dead and 11 of those unaccounted for were in Travis County, county spokesperson Hector Nieto told The Dallas Morning News. At least two of the fatalities were reported earlier in the day by Travis County Emergency Services District 1 in a Facebook post.
Two other people were confirmed dead in nearby Burnet County as of Saturday evening, Emergency Management Coordinator Derek Marchio told The News. His office initially counted three fatalities, but said the team later realized that one case was a double count. Six people were also missing, according to him.
Officials from Travis County Emergency Services District 1, which serves areas located northwest of Austin and near the Colorado River, said the area received heavy rainfall overnight that caused flash flooding. Dozens of rescues have been conducted since early Saturday, according to them.
“Powerful floodwaters tore entire chunks of asphalt from the roadway, hurling debris and pavement into a nearby creek,” the post said.
Death Toll Climbs
In a separate post on X, the Austin-Travis County EMS said its personnel have transported four adults with minor injuries to local hospitals as of noon Saturday. Its responders had also rescued 25 victims from floodwaters, according to the post.
On Saturday, broad swaths of Central Texas were also under flash flood warnings, according to the National Weather Service. Austin and its suburbs were under a flash flood warning for much of Saturday and they remaining under a flood watch until 10 p.m.
Storms and Flood Warnings
In response, Travis County Judge Andy Brown has issued a disaster declaration, according to a Facebook post just after 3:30 p.m.
Also on Saturday afternoon, the Colorado River at Austin rose from around 15 feet in height to over 22 feet in under four hours, according to online data from the United States Geological Survey.
Meanwhile, Williamson County Judge Steve Snell declared on Saturday a local state of disaster for his county due to “severe flooding conditions.” County officials had also issued an evacuation order for some areas in Williamson County, such as mobile home parks east of Georgetown along the San Gabriel River.
Government Response
Hours later, Gov. Greg Abbott announced during a news conference that he is expanding the disaster declaration that he signed Friday to include Travis, Williamson, Burnet, Caldwell, Guadalupe and Bexar counties.
The governor also declared Sunday, July 6 a Day of Prayer in response to the deadly floods sweeping through Central Texas and the Hill Country.
The weather service warned that more rain could be on the way.
“Storms are repeatedly moving over areas under a Flash Flood Emergency in Burnet and NW Travis counties,” the National Weather Service said in a post on X just before 2 p.m. “This same area received over a foot of rain in the last 24 hours, and these storms are producing 1 to 2 inches of rain per hour. Remember to turn around, don’t drown!”
Staff writer Aarón Torres contributed to this report.
Conclusion
The flash floods in Texas have resulted in a significant loss of life and property damage. The situation is still developing, and residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow evacuation orders. The government has responded by declaring a state of disaster and providing aid to affected areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current death toll from the floods?
A: The current death toll from the floods is 59 in Kerr County, with additional deaths reported in Travis and Burnet counties.
Q: What areas are under flash flood warnings?
A: Broad swaths of Central Texas, including Austin and its suburbs, are under flash flood warnings.
Q: What is the government doing to respond to the floods?
A: The government has declared a state of disaster and is providing aid to affected areas. Gov. Greg Abbott has also declared a Day of Prayer in response to the floods.
Q: What can residents do to stay safe?
A: Residents are advised to remain vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and turn around if they encounter flooded roads. Remember to turn around, don’t drown!
