Local News
Governor Greg Abbott Confirms 109 Dead, 161 Missing Amid Catastrophic Flooding in Kerr County
KERR COUNTY, TX — Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Tuesday that at least 109 people have died and 161 remain unaccounted for in Kerr County following catastrophic flooding in central Texas.
The announcement came during a visit to the region, where Abbott was joined by House Speaker Dustin Burrows to assess the devastation and discuss the state’s emergency response efforts.
Texas Game Wardens Lt. Col. Ben Baker stated that his agency responded in the early hours of Friday, July 4, and has since deployed over 300 game wardens to the area.
The search and rescue teams have covered more than 26 miles of the Guadalupe River, conducting approximately 444 rescues and confirming 30 recoveries.
Resources deployed by Texas Game Wardens include:
- 2 helicopters with hoist-equipped rescue teams
- 10 K-9 search and recovery units
- 9 swift water rescue boat crews
- 15 airboats
- 16 utility terrain vehicles (UTVs)
- 169 four-wheel drive vehicles
Lt. Col. Baker emphasized that Texas Game Wardens will remain on-site in Kerr County for the foreseeable future and urged continued prayers and support for the victims, their families, first responders, and the affected communities as the search and recovery efforts continue.
Governor Abbott has issued a disaster declaration for multiple counties impacted by the historic floods and pledged to allocate all necessary state resources to support ongoing operations.
SURF CITY, N.C. — Emergency crews are battling a large multi-structure fire in Surf City that has already destroyed at least three homes and a large boat, according to reports from the scene and emergency radio traffic.
The blaze reportedly began near 5th Street, directly across from The Trailer Bar, and quickly spread to multiple nearby residences and a docked vessel.
Witnesses described seeing towering flames and heavy smoke visible from several blocks away as firefighters worked to contain the rapidly expanding fire.
Scanner reports indicate that multiple fire departments and emergency agencies from surrounding areas have been dispatched to assist Surf City Fire and Rescue in controlling the blaze and preventing it from spreading further.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire or whether there are any injuries.
Residents in the area were urged to avoid 5th Street and surrounding roads to allow emergency personnel full access to the scene.
This is a developing story, and additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available from Surf City officials and emergency services.