Fate of dozens still unknown in Texas flooding: 'Don't know how many were lost'
Gov. Greg Abbot said 97 people were still listed as missing in the greater Kerrville area, down from the 160-plus just days ago. Some of those still sought may have been reported missing in error, he said.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly said a large percentage of those unaccounted for were probably visiting the area. He said many tourists had come for the Independence Day weekend fireworks and concert. Historic flooding overwhelmed the banks of the Guadalupe River in the predawn hours of July 4.
"We don't know how many came, we don't know where they are, we don't know how many we lost," Kelly said. "We've heard accounts of trailer after trailer after trailer being swept into the river with families in the them. Can't find trailers.'
Abbott, who visited some of the flood-devastated areas Monday, said state lawmakers would investigate the disaster preparedness and emergency response to the flooding at a special legislative session to convene later this month.
"We remain unrelenting in our 24/7 operation to save and protect lives," Abbott said in a social media post. "Texas is a community. We are Texas strong."
Texas flooding updates: New round of thunderstorms hampers rescue efforts
How the flooding tragedy unfolded
Heavy rainfall, rocky terrain and the nearby Gulf climate combined to quickly turn the Guadalupe River into a destructive torrent across Kerr County and the Texas Hill Country. The swath of land – including Camp Mystic, where at least 27 children and counselors were killed – has earned the nickname "flash flood alley," and hundreds have died there over the years.
A series of weather events conspired to create tragedy. It began with moisture from Tropical Storm Barry that drifted over Texas in the first few days of July, said Bob Fogarty, a meteorologist at the National Weather Service Austin/San Antonio office. There, it collided with an upper-level low pressure system, which parked it in place. Read more here.
See how the Texas floods unfolded: Why Camp Mystic was in a hazardous location
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