Texas flooding: Search and rescue efforts underway in Hill Country

KERR COUNTY, Texas – “Catastrophic” flooding in Kerr County killed at least 24 people on Friday. 

The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office said several others are still missing.

Search and rescue efforts underway

What they’re saying:

Lt. Governor Dan Patrick held a press conference Friday with updates on the search and rescue mission for the almost two dozen people missing.

“On a day which is usually for celebration, it’s a very tough day in Texas,” said Patrick.

As floodwaters swept through children’s camps, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made a promise to scared families.

“We will do everything humanely possible, 24/7, looking at every tree, turning over every rock, whatever it takes if your child is one of those truly missing and not just out of touch to find your daughter,” said Patrick.

Multiple girls are unaccounted for at nearby Camp Mystic. Families and friends are posting them to social media.

“It’s a tragic event,” said Texas DPS Director Freeman Martin. “It’s going to be a mass casualty event. We know that. We prepared, we moved resources into the area.”

State officials confirm there were 14 helicopters in the air, 12 drones, and more than 500 boots on the ground.

“Many roads are impassible, major roads, minor roads, and once we’re able to get some of those roads clear when the rain stops, then we have ten buses ready to go in and pick up the kids,” said Patrick.

More than two dozen roads in the area are shut down.

What’s next:

At the end of the press conference, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick made one final request.

“You know, we always say in these situations, thoughts and prayers,” said Patrick. “I’m asking the people of Texas to do some serious praying this afternoon. On your knees, kind of praying.”

Patrick said he’s requested the Army Corps of Engineers to look at the dam on Lake Buchanan. They believe it is safe.

He also said he’s been in contact with President Trump and the White House staff, who have offered whatever support Texas needs.

Guadalupe River flooding

Dig deeper:

State officials said the Guadalupe River rose more than 26 feet in 45 minutes.

“We don’t need people just showing up,” said Martin. “This is a very coordinated response. Stay away from the area if you can; stay home with your families.”

Other counties, like Comal, are warning drivers that the Guadalupe River will rise to “dangerous levels” overnight, possibly higher than the bridge at Highway 281.

“We’re concerned about San Saba down, so there will be more notifications coming out,” said Martin. “If you’re asked to evacuate, please evacuate.”

Where are the emergency shelters?

Kerr County

• Comfort High SchoolFunction: Primary shelter and reunification centerLocation: 201 Hwy 87, Comfort, TXStatus: Open — accepting evacuees from Hunt, Center Point, and Comfort
• First United Methodist Church – KerrvilleFunction: Overnight shelter and distribution siteLocation: 321 Thompson Dr, Kerrville, TXStatus: Open — serving evacuees from the upper Guadalupe River valley
• Walmart Parking Lot – Kerrville (Hwy 27)Function: Staging zone for EMS and public reunificationLocation: 1216 Junction Hwy, Kerrville, TXStatus: Open — functioning as a mobile command and rendezvous point

Llano County

• First Baptist Church – KingslandFunction: Shelter and medical triage pointLocation: 3435 RR 1431, Kingsland, TXStatus: Open — supporting evacuees from Kingsland and Llano River region
• Lakeshore Library Parking Lot (Kingsland)Function: Temporary staging for Coast Guard & TX Search and RescueLocation: 7346 RR 261, Kingsland, TXStatus: Restricted — EMS/military use only

San Angelo / Tom Green County

• PaulAnn Church – San AngeloFunction: Full-service shelter, food/water station, and reunification pointLocation: 2531 Smith Blvd, San Angelo, TXStatus: Open — housing families displaced by Concho River flooding
• Tom Green County 4-H / AgriLife CenterFunction: Large-animal staging and multi-agency logistics hubLocation: 113 W. Beauregard Ave, San Angelo, TXStatus: Open — not accepting public evacuees

Guadalupe / Comal Counties

• Community Bible Church – SchertzFunction: Overflow shelter for I-35 corridor flood victimsLocation: 1735 N Loop 1604 E, San Antonio, TX (serving Schertz area)Status: Open — limited capacity as of last report

Gillespie / Blanco Counties (Support only)

• Fredericksburg High School (PREP)Function: Standby support shelterLocation: 1107 Hwy 16 S, Fredericksburg, TXStatus: On standby — activated if Llano overflow spreads southeast

Special Populations Support

• CelesteCare Llano and Autumn Winds Schertz report staff are sheltering in place with backup power. EMS contacts are established.