Grief starts in Texas as over 170 people are still missing after flash floods.

 Kerrville, July 11 — What began as shock has turned into deep sadness across Texas after deadly flash floods claimed at least 120 lives, with more than 170 people still missing. Rescue teams are slowly searching through miles of rivers and debris to find victims. A fence in Hill Country is now covered with photos of those who died, along with flowers and candles—a growing tribute to the disaster’s toll.

Among the victims are three friends who gathered for the July Fourth weekend, two 8-year-old sisters at summer camp, and a 91-year-old grandmother known for her sharp humor.

Most of the missing people are in Kerr County, where nearly 100 bodies have been found. Officials say it’s hard to get exact numbers right after such a disaster, but they’re carefully checking the list of those unaccounted for.

The floods were so powerful that many families had to escape in the middle of the night with almost no time to prepare. One woman told how she and others, including a toddler, first climbed into an attic and then onto a roof, hearing screams and watching cars float by. Photos and videos have captured these terrifying moments.

More than 2,000 workers from local, state, and federal agencies are helping with the search, but the extreme heat and piles of trees, wood, and trash are making their job tough.

In a damaged shopping center, people gathered debris collected from the rivers. Officials hope to sort through it later so families can find their lost belongings.

A disaster recovery center opened Thursday at the First Baptist Church in Kerrville, run by federal and state agencies. It offers help and allows survivors to apply for aid. So far, only a few people have visited, as the word about the center is still spreading.

Laurie Fried from The Salvation Army explained, “The first few days are always slow.”

Nearby, a nonprofit group was handing out cleaning supplies and gift cards to families struggling with bills and hotel stays. But many people don’t have homes left to clean up.

On Wednesday, hundreds gathered at a prayer service, crying and supporting each other. Youth minister Wyatt Wentrcek said, “Our communities were struck with tragedy literally in the darkness.”

David Garza, who has lived through floods in 1978 and 1987, drove over an hour to be with his family and friends. “I just wanted to be a part of this,” he said.

Many wore green ribbons to honor girls from Camp Mystic, a 100-year-old Christian summer camp where at least 27 campers and counselors died. Parents praised the teenage counselors for helping keep kids safe and calm during the chaos.

Calls for Better Flood Preparation

Texas Governor Greg Abbott urged lawmakers to approve funding for better flood warning systems and emergency communication during the upcoming legislative session. He also asked for financial support to aid recovery efforts. “We must ensure better preparation for such events in the future,” he said.

Officials have faced criticism for not warning people sooner or preparing better. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha promised answers once all victims are found. Local leaders had discussed installing flood sirens for years but delayed due to cost and noise concerns.

President Donald Trump promised to provide any help Texas needs and plans to visit the state on Friday.

Recent polls show many Americans believe the federal government should play a big role in preparing for and responding to natural disasters, which seem to be increasing. Just days earlier, flash floods in New Mexico killed three people.

The destruction in Texas stretches from Hill Country to the outskirts of Austin, where at least 15 people died. Floodwaters also overwhelmed two RV parks north of Austin in Georgetown.

Teri Hoffman watched in horror as floodwaters flipped her camper with her two dogs inside. Rescuers saved the dogs, and she managed to recover her last picture of her late mother, but everything else in the camper where she lived with her family was lost.

“I couldn’t look at it,” she said. “I had to walk away.”

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