Central Texas is reeling from one of the deadliest natural disasters in state history as devastating floods swept through Kerr County and surrounding regions over the July Fourth weekend. The catastrophe has so far claimed the lives of at least 120 individuals, including 36 children, with over 160 people still unaccounted for. Search and rescue teams, aided by more than 2,100 responders from 10 states, continue to comb the flood-ravaged areas, particularly the banks of the Guadalupe River, where much of the destruction occurred.
Among the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian summer camp for girls, where 27 campers and counselors perished, and several remain missing. The floods struck in the middle of the night, leaving little time for evacuation. Overturned cars, thick mud, and widespread debris have complicated search operations, and high temperatures have increased the urgency. “We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for,” Governor Greg Abbott vowed.
Authorities are urging residents to report missing loved ones to a dedicated hotline (830-258-1111) or email (kerrvillemissing@dps.texas.gov). Officials caution that confusion often inflates missing persons counts in the early days of a crisis, but the commitment to finding each individual remains steadfast.
In the midst of ongoing search efforts, state and federal officials are facing scrutiny over delayed emergency alerts and insufficient warnings. Audio recordings revealed that a CodeRED alert was requested at dawn on July 4 but wasn’t issued for six hours, raising questions about response readiness and communication protocols. These concerns have prompted Governor Abbott to include four flood-related issues—emergency communications, warning systems, disaster preparation, and relief funding—in the agenda for the upcoming special legislative session.
As the search continues, both the Texas State Guard (State Defense Force) and Texas National Guard have mobilized to deliver wide-ranging support in the disaster response. Over 2,200 state personnel and 1,200 vehicles and assets have been deployed under Governor Abbott’s emergency orders, with the Texas State Operations Center remaining at Level II – Escalated Response. Together, the State and National Guard are executing critical roles in search and rescue, damage assessments, infrastructure recovery, and humanitarian relief.
One of the missions The Texas State Guard (TXSG) has been performing is working directly with The Salvation Army in Kerrville as well as other multiple relief agencies to distribute aid, conduct wellness checks, and help coordinate shelter operations across Central Texas. Their presence ensures vital continuity of care to flood victims, especially in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Trained in disaster response and community engagement, State Guardsmen are bridging gaps in local support structures that have been overwhelmed by the scale of this disaster.
The State Guard also plays a crucial support role behind the scenes: assisting logistics at resource staging areas, operating communications networks, and contributing to local emergency coordination centers. Their tireless service reflects their motto, “Texans Serving Texans.”
The Texas Army and Air National Guard have launched an extensive joint operation encompassing airborne reconnaissance, aerial rescues, and ground search missions. Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters equipped with hoist systems have been deployed to extract stranded individuals from remote and flooded areas. The Texas Air National Guard’s MQ-9 Reaper drone provides live aerial surveillance, giving commanders a bird’s-eye view of damage and helping direct rescue crews with precision.
Additionally, high-water rescue teams from the National Guard are navigating submerged areas in high-profile vehicles, clearing routes, and helping assess critical infrastructure damage. Units are also aiding mass shelter operations and distributing supplies. Support from other states, including four UH-60 Black Hawks from the Arkansas National Guard, demonstrates the scale and scope of the mutual aid effort.
As communities grieve and recover, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has activated mental health crisis teams to support both civilians and first responders. Local WIC and SNAP offices are offering replacement benefits, and Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available to impacted workers in designated counties.
Governor Abbott has urged residents to donate to the Central Texas Flood Recovery Fund, managed by the OneStar Foundation, and to remain vigilant by monitoring forecasts and heeding the message: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
This unified response—from local heroes to federal partners, from the Texas State Guard to the Texas National Guard—underscores the spirit of resilience and commitment in the face of tragedy. Texas will recover, one family and one community at a time, and our Guardsmen will be there every step of the way.
From all of us at StateDefenseForce.com we thank and salute the heroes of The Texas Military Department, members of The Federal, State and Local Agencies, as well as all the volunteers for stepping up and responding to this horrific tragedy.
Eye in the sky, support on the ground: The Texas Air National Guard’s MQ-9 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) provides daily support for search and rescue operations in Kerrville and Central Texas.
Thank you Arkansas National Guard for sending four UH-60 Black Hawks. These talented air crews began support operations today in and around our flood-impacted communities.
Dedicated Service Members continue searching by air and on land in flood-impacted areas across Central Texas. The Texas National Guard will not leave until our communities recover.
UPDATE: We are blessed by the outpouring of our community in providing disaster relief and assistance to first responders and those who have lost so much.
Our facility was quickly filled to capacity by your generosity. . Since Monday we have been able to once again receive donations thanks to numerous volunteers and the Texas State Guard who have been able to organize and make the process of donating so much easier. Kerrvillekroc.org and Kerrville Kroc Center is monitored and updated most frequently and you will be able to see our daily needs of volunteers and donated items.
Because of your generosity, as of Tuesday, July 8, we have been able to distribute to first responders and those affected by the floods 354 clean-up kits (yesterday alone), 212 hygiene kits, over 1000 clothing items, 327 cases of water, nearly 4000 hot meals, close to 30,000 bottles of water, and 16,000 snacks.
May God bless you as you have blessed so many with your generosity.
Box trucks and larger sized donations, please call ahead to schedule. Thank you for helping us to do the most good after the unthinkable.
Members of the Texas State Guard are working tirelessly alongside the Salvation Army Kerrville and partner agencies across Central Texas, delivering vital support to communities impacted by this devastating disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. We stand with you, Texas.
Members of the Texas State Guard are working tirelessly alongside the Salvation Army Kerrville and partner agencies across Central Texas, delivering vital support to communities impacted by this devastating disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected. We stand with you, Texas.
Sources: DVIDS – Texas Governors Office – Texas Military Department – Texas State Guard – News 4 San Antonio – CNN – San Antonio Current – The Sun
