BLOG: Flood recovery underway as searches continue July 9

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TEXAS (KXAN) — Wednesday marks six days since flash floods in Central Texas that killed more than 100 people.
As survivors begin recovery efforts, state and local emergency responders continue to search for missing people in several counties.
At least 119 deaths have been confirmed in six counties. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday afternoon that 161 people are missing in Kerr County alone. Overall, at least 172 people remain missing.
Here's what we know about some of the victims.
Here are the top headlines:
Resources for Texans affected by flooding: Find shelter, supplies and assistance
Today's forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team
Why were flash floods across Central Texas so catastrophic? Read Meteorologist Freddy Vela's weather blog post.
Our previous live blogs: July 4, July 5, July 6, July 7. July 8
'Total destruction': 10 still missing in Travis County, Big Sandy Creek area devastated
'Hunt Strong': Community icon, the Hunt Store, destroyed in Kerr Co. flood
Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding; Austin Firefighters Association president calls no confidence vote
Final missing person in Burnet County is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief, sheriff says
How does FEMA work? Owner of emergency response company explains FEMA's process
10:40 p.m. The LCRA said 'one floodgate is open at both Wirtz and Starcke dams to pass storm runoff downstream.'
'Conditions are dynamic, and it may be necessary to open additional floodgates overnight at Wirtz and Starcke dams.'
For more information, visit the LCRA website.
9:58 p.m. Hattie B's Hot Chicken said on social media 100% of its sales from its Austin and Dallas stores will go to the Central Texas Food Bank, as well as their work on behalf of victims.
9:05 p.m. LCRA said 'one floodgate is open at Wirtz Dam to pass storm runoff downstream.'
'LCRA plans to open a floodgate at Starcke Dam later this evening. The water will be passed downstream into Lake Travis.'
Furthermore, the LCRA said 'flows below the dams will be higher and faster than usual. Take action to protect people and property that may be affected.'
For more information, visit the LCRA website.
8:56 p.m. The Kerr County Sheriff's Office said on social media the 'Kerrville Driver License Office is ready to assist individuals affected by the flood who need a replace Texas Driver License or Identification Card.'
'No appointment is necessary for those impacted. Please be sure to inform their staff that you were affected by the flood.'
8:25 p.m. The Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) said it was 'closely monitoring the potential for additional flooding along the Llano River' shortly before 8 p.m.
Then, around 8:15 p.m., LCRA said floodgate operations at Wirtz Dam and Starcke Dam 'are likely.'
'LCRA is currently passing inflows into Lake LBJ through hydrogeneration,' the agency said.
For more information, visit the LCRA website.
7 p.m.
A fire engine was placed outside the Marble Falls area volunteer fire department for those wishing to honor volunteer Fire Chief Michael Phillips.
Video shows people put flowers in buckets on the fire engine. The Burnet County Sheriff's Office said Phillips was responding to a rescue call during the flooding over the weekend, when the fast moving waters swept him and his vehicle away.
BCSO has found Phillips' vehicle, but there's still no sign of him. The agency said Phillips served the Marble Falls area for 30 years.
5:15 p.m.
As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, 95 who died in Kerr County were recovered, including 59 adults and 36 children, the Kerr County Sheriff's Office said on social media. Additionally, identification is pending for 14 adults and 13 children.
'At present, 5 Camp Mystic campers and one counselor remain unaccounted for. Officials report there are 161 missing people in the Kerr County area,' KCSO said.
Officials said that members of the community are ' asked to NOT conduct debris management on their property until directed by local officials. There is a burn ban in effect until further notice.'
'Amazing acts of kindness and charity are happening – from our neighbors, from complete strangers, and from charities all over the state. Texans are stepping up for Texans. While we have some tough days both now and ahead, progress is being made. Stay strong, Kerr County!'
3:50 p.m.
Gov. Abbott announced that the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) is accepting applications for 'Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA),' Abbott's office said in a news release Wednesday.
This is a result of the severe storm and flooding that impacted the state. President Donald Trump issued a 'Major Disaster Declaration,' which makes it possible for 'workers and self-employed individuals in Kerr County who have been unable to work due to damage sustained from severe weather may be eligible for DUA benefits.'
Those affected by the flooding can apply for benefits via the Unemployment Benefit Services website or by calling TWC at 800-939-6631 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Applications under the the declaration has to be submitted by Sept. 4, according to Abbott's office.
Those applying must specify their 'applications are related to the damage caused by Hill Country flooding.'
3:40 p.m.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced the special session agenda, including flood related items at the very top of the list. Those items are listed below, as provided by Abbott's office:
Flood warning systems
Flood emergency communications
Relief funding for Hill Country floods
Natural disaster preparation and recovery
Other items in the agenda include legislation to eliminate the STAAR test, reduce property taxes, protect children from THC, regulate hemp-derived products, protect unborn children and more.
3:25 p.m.
A community in western Travis County is relying on volunteers for supplies after flash floods severely damaged a bridge at Big Sandy Road and Nameless Road — the only way in and out of the neighborhood.
KXAN 's Grace Reader reports volunteers are shuttling supplies across the bridge on foot to neighbor.
Read the full story here.
2:43 p.m.
Flash floods could be seen on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., near the University of Texas. KXAN's Kevin Baskar got the following video.
2:20 p.m.
Officials said three deaths resulted from the floods on July 5 in Williamson County. The county is now focusing on standing down from a recovery effort and focusing on a clean-up effort. Additionally, at least one person is still believed to be missing in Leander, with Williamson County assisting in the effort.
Williamson County Judge Steven Snell said the county sent out 16 emergency alert messages on July 5. Additionally, 63 calls to 911 were placed, and the county ran several rescue missions.
Snell said several messages from Warn Central Texas were also sent to residents in the area and reiterated how important is for those who have not subscribed to do so.
A disaster declaration for the county was also extended for the next seven days, Snell said.
At the height of the flood, 29 roads were closed, Snell said. The roads are now only down to five that are closed, as of Wednesday.
Now that the clean-up effort is in effect, TDEM will go out and assess those damages. Those who would like to report those damages, they can go to the TDEM website at damage.tdem.texas.gov.
There is also a clean-up crisis line as another way for those to report damages or request any type of assistance needed at 512-201-4814.
'Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Hill Country in Kerr County and just hope all that can be recovered as soon as possible and keep our first responders safe,' Snell said.
2:03 p.m.
We're seeing storms pop up throughout Central Texas on Wednesday afternoon with Austin receiving some of the strongest rain around 2 p.m.
1:44 p.m. According to TDEM's resource map, there are seven helicopter search and rescue swimmers in Travis County. Statewide, heli swimmers have been deployed to seven counties, with 253 people deployed, 12 search and rescue and K9s on deployment since before the flood.
1:11 p.m. Local officials in Kerr County continue facing public scrutiny after days of seeming to deflect questions about their preparedness and response to the July 4 flash flood that left dozens dead. The attention comes, as records reviewed by KXAN reveal leaders determined in 2024 that the county 'will experience a flood event in the next year.'
On Wednesday, during a morning press conference, they updated the death count to 95 with 161 people still missing. While again avoiding answers about specific actions in the hours between weather warnings and the Guadalupe River rising 30 feet, Sheriff Larry Leitha said there would be an 'after-action' review following his 'priority' of notifying victims' families.
'We will answer those questions,' Leitha told reporters. 'I wish y'all would bear with me on that, okay? Bear with me. We'll get them. I can't tell you when – in a week or two, okay? We're gonna get them.'
Read the full story here.
11:15 a.m. The Long Center announced it's teaming up with several artists to hold a benefit concert for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund on Sunday, July 13.
The 'For the Heart of Texas' concert will be held inside Dell Hall at the Long Center on Saturday. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5. Tickets are 'pay what you want,' starting at a $10 minimum.
The concert will feature more than 15 artists, including Aaron Behrens, Bob Schneider, Sara Hickman, Chaparelle, and Next of Kin.
The event will also have relief resources, food trucks, and more to gather donations for those impacted by the floods. All proceeds will go directly to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund.
10:29 a.m. In Burnet County, officials said only one person remains missing, and the death count remained at five. In total, officials said 63 people have been rescued.
Final missing person in Burnet County is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief
'We have moved all of our resources to one area, which is where [Fire Chief Michael Philips] was last seen. We have a larger group of people searching the banks and areas of cow creek working our way to where this creek dumps into lake Travis,' Burnet County said.
The five dead were identified as:
17-year-old Malaya Hammond
22-year-old Preston Prince
57-year-old William Venus
79-year-old Walter Reed
One unidentified white male
10:04 a.m. Kerr County officials provided new numbers related to fatalities and those missing after the flash flooding in the area.
As of 8 a.m., officials said there were 95 dead in Kerr County, 59 adults and 36 children. There are still five Camp Mystic campers and one counselor missing. In total, 161 people are still missing in Kerr County.
Use the video player below to listen to the full news conference.
9:32 a.m. A burn ban is in effect for Northwest Travis County, specifically neighborhoods along Big Sandy Creek, Cow Creek, and other low-lying areas near creeks. It will remain in effect until August 5.
Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell recommended the burn ban to support ongoing search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the flooding.
'The large amount of flood debris that accumulated is a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning, ' the county said.
9:00 a.m. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor those who lost their lives due to the devastating floods that impacted Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend.
Gov. Abbott orders Texas flags to be flown half-staff to honor flood victims
'In heartfelt remembrance of those whose lives were tragically lost in the recent floods, I ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff,' Abbott said. 'Cecilia and I continue to pray for their loved ones as they grieve this unimaginable loss and urge all Texans to continue praying for all impacted by this devastation. Texas stands united in mourning and in our resolve to support those who strive to heal and recover. May God bring comfort to every family affected and strength to the thousands of first responders still working on the ground.'
According to the governor's office, the flags should be returned to full-staff at sunrise July 14.
8:00 a.m. Luna, a 9-year-old girl in Kerrville, decided to make bracelets for first responders and volunteers after seeing others doing the same on social media in the aftermath of the flood.
KXAN asked her if she had a message to share with the folks she's making the bracelets for.
'Thank you,' she said.
Texas Floods: 9-year-old makes bracelets for first responders, volunteers
7:18 a.m. The Burnet County Sheriff said the search for missing Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Phillips is ongoing.
7:09 a.m. KXAN photojournalist Todd Bailey and reporter Mercedez Hernandez were in Leander this morning to assess the damage in the area.
6:00 a.m.
5:43 a.m. The Adam R. Scripps Foundation said it would contribute more than $1,000,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Texas Search and Rescue, the business community and additional nonprofit organizations.
The foundation said it would also match community donations up to $150K.
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