Texans collect in Kerrville to mourn 120 flood victims and pray for greater than 160 nonetheless lacking.
A number of hundred folks have gathered in Tivy Antler Stadium in Texas to mourn the numerous lives misplaced and pray for these nonetheless lacking from the catastrophic flash floods that battered the state over the USA July Fourth vacation.
The vigil, held on Wednesday in Kerrville – one of many worst-affected areas – introduced collectively grieving households, native clergy, and volunteers. “Our communities had been struck with tragedy actually within the darkness,” youth minister Wyatt Wentrcek informed the gang. “Nighttime.”
At the least 120 folks have been confirmed useless, with greater than 160 nonetheless unaccounted for, making it the deadliest inland flooding within the US since 1976.
Blue shirts bearing the college’s slogan, Tivy Battle By no means Die, and inexperienced ribbons for Camp Mystic – a century-old all-girls Christian camp the place at the very least 27 campers and counsellors died – had been worn by many attendees. Officers mentioned 5 campers and one counsellor from the camp stay unaccounted for.
Ricky Pruitt of the Kerrville Church of Christ addressed the gang, noting the emotional weight of holding the vigil at a stadium extra typically used to rejoice sporting triumphs. “Tonight may be very completely different than all of these nights,” he mentioned, as reported by The Related Press.
Individuals attend a Catholic rosary service for the Texas flood victims at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kerr County, Kerrville, Texas, USA, July 8, 2025 (Dustin Safranek/EPA)
As mourners held one another and wiped their tears, search crews continued scouring the Guadalupe River – on foot, horseback, and by air – for these nonetheless lacking. Search canine had been deployed to smell by way of timber and piles of particles. Officers admitted hope of discovering survivors had all however light, with efforts now centered on giving households closure.
Worst flood in 50 years
Meteorologist Bob Henson mentioned the catastrophe ranks as essentially the most deadly inland flood in almost 5 a long time, surpassing the 1976 Huge Thompson Canyon flood in Colorado, which killed 144.
Governor Greg Abbott mentioned lots of those that had been within the Hill Nation in the course of the vacation had been by no means formally registered at a camp or resort, making it tougher to account for everybody.
He has confronted rising criticism over the state’s flood preparedness, with many asking why warnings had been delayed and evacuation measures inadequate.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha assured residents that accountability would come however mentioned the quick precedence stays to recuperate the lacking.
Abbott has urged state legislators to approve a brand new flood warning system and increase emergency communication networks. He’s pushing for the problem to be addressed throughout a particular legislative session already scheduled to start on July 21. He additionally referred to as for monetary assist to help restoration efforts.
For years, native officers have debated putting in a flood siren system, however considerations over price and noise meant the thought was shelved – a choice now underneath intense scrutiny.
US President Donald Trump has pledged full federal help and is anticipated to go to the affected areas on Friday.
