Texas Gov. Greg Abbott urged residents to remain vigilant Sunday as widespread flooding continues to threaten large swaths of the state, warning of dangerous conditions in the coming days.
Speaking from the State Operations Center in Austin, Abbott described the destruction at Camp Mystic in Kerr County as “nothing short of horrific” and emphasized the life-threatening nature of the ongoing storms. The flooding has already claimed dozens of lives, and more heavy rainfall is forecast for the Big Country, Concho Valley, Central Texas, and surrounding areas.
At least 82 people have died across central Texas, including 28 children, as emergency crews continue search, rescue, and recovery operations in multiple counties following severe flash flooding over the July 4 weekend.
The current breakdown of fatalities reported by county as of late Sunday includes:
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Kerr County: 68 deaths
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Travis County: 6 deaths
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Burnet County: 3 deaths
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Kendall County: 2 deaths
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Williamson County: 2 deaths
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Tom Green County: 1 death
“We are broadening the area that we’re focused on, but we are not reducing our focus in the Kerrville area,” Abbott said. “There are dangers over the next 24 to 48 hours that could pose public safety threats.”
In response to the crisis, the state has deployed more than 1,500 emergency personnel and 925 vehicles and equipment assets, with resources activated across more than 20 state agencies. Assets include swiftwater rescue boats, helicopter crews with hoist capabilities, and high-profile vehicles to aid in evacuations.
President Donald Trump swiftly approved a Major Disaster Declaration to unlock federal resources. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Kerr County on Saturday to survey the damage and coordinate assistance.
Abbott cautioned Texans against driving through floodwaters, reiterating the state’s safety slogan: “Turn Around, Don’t Drown.” He encouraged residents to monitor road conditions via DriveTexas.org and to report property damage through the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool.
The State Operations Center remains at Level II (Escalated Response) as emergency crews brace for more flash flooding. Among the mobilized agencies:
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Texas National Guard: Blackhawk helicopters, damage assessment teams, shelter support
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Texas A&M Task Force 1 & 2: Swiftwater rescue squads
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Texas Parks and Wildlife: Game warden rescue teams, helicopters
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Texas DPS: Tactical marine units and helicopter crews
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Texas Department of Transportation: Road monitoring and closures
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Texas A&M Forest Service: Debris clearing teams
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Texas AgriLife Extension & Department of Agriculture: Support for farmers and livestock
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Public Utility Commission & TCEQ: Power outage tracking, water and environmental quality monitoring
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Texas Emergency Medical Task Force: Medics, ambulances, and severe weather medical packages
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Texas A&M Veterinary Emergency Team: Animal rescue and treatment
The Lower Colorado River Authority continues managing floodgate operations and river levels in coordination with regional emergency managers.
Abbott’s administration has amended the state’s disaster declaration to include additional counties and continues deploying resources as the situation evolves. Texans are advised to remain weather aware and follow guidance from local authorities.
More information and emergency resources can be found at disaster.texas.gov.