Search Efforts in Texas Halted Due to New Flood Threat

Search teams in Kerr County, Texas, were compelled to pause their operations on Sunday. The region, which recently endured severe flooding, is now under threat of another deluge. This area, part of Texas' susceptible Hill Country, has at least 161 missing persons since the aftermath of heavy flooding that led the Guadalupe River to breach its banks.

The city of Kerrville announced that at dawn, ground searches were postponed because of safety concerns caused by potential flooding.

In a statement on social media, the police urged all rescuers to withdraw from the river area, highlighting the high risk of sudden flooding. They cautioned any volunteer groups to stay clear of the Guadalupe River area.

An official weather alert was circulated warning of the Guadalupe River reaching dangerous levels near Hunt. This location encountered one of the worst scenarios on July 4th, when the river's water level surged over 20 feet within an hour, tragically resulting in at least 103 fatalities throughout the county.

Warned areas extended over portions of central Texas, with forecasts indicating ongoing heavy rainfall causing concerns for immediate flooding. The weather experts advised citizens against travel unless in response to evacuation orders.

Kerrville's authorities particularly emphasized caution around low water crossings, vulnerable to quick flooding like what transpired on July 4, isolating people and complicating rescue missions.

The deluge's aftermath was not exclusive to Kerr County. Neighboring counties also reported casualties and missing persons, pushing the state’s death toll to at least 129, with 166 individuals remaining unlocated.

A widespread search and rescue mission remains active, involving volunteers, drones, and trained dogs working alongside agencies at different government levels despite the adverse weather and challenging surroundings.

On Friday, Governor Greg Abbott expanded the scope of the federal disaster declaration to encompass additional affected areas.