Kerr County updates: 11th day of search and recovery efforts continues for specialized crews; 161 people remain missing

SAN ANTONIO — Search and rescue efforts resume for an eleventh day as specific crews continue to look for the 161 missing after the catastrophic Fourth of July floods. 

Less than 24 hours after county officials issued a CodeRED, which suspended search and rescue operations in several parts of the Hill Country Sunday, certain crews are back looking for those still unaccounted for. In a press conference Monday, Governor Greg Abbott said 131 people have died in the statewide floods. 

A Flood Watch was issued until Tuesday at 7 a.m. for a portion of south central Texas, including the following counties: Bandera, Blanco, Burnet, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kinney, Llano, Real, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde and Williamson.

Due to the weather conditions, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office said all volunteers should vacate the river area, and move to higher ground for safety. Only teams working under the direction of Kerr County Emergency Operations Center Unified Command are permitted in the response zone. 

Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said while recovery operations would continue for specific emergency crews and first responders, the Volunteer Reception Center Drive-Thru at Tivy Antler Stadium was paused due to the weather. 

The Guadalupe River at Hunt is expecting a moderate flood stage capping under 12 feet while Kerrville is expecting minor flooding at 9 feet. Comfort is also expected to see minor flooding from the river unless heavy rain develops over the watershed.

Many of the volunteers who were told to pause their operations Sunday were eager to go back and help bring closure to the families. 

“The need to help out has been really great. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see all these people come in to our little location and donating and providing the volunteers, wanting to do road cleanup,” Erik Burton, Post commander at VFW Post 1480 in Kerrville said. 

Officials mentioned that Nimitz Lake search efforts are particularly difficult due to low visibility in the water and the substantial amount of debris. He also mentioned how the Guadalupe River’s landscape has changed since the deadly floods. 

“We’re going to continue to go through debris piles. We’re going to continue to, you know, to check the landscape. And we are going to do everything that we possibly can to make sure that we get their loved ones reunited,” Rice said. 

More than 2,000 local, state and federal personnel are involved in the ongoing search and recovery operations. Their efforts have been bolstered by more than 12,000 volunteers pitching in over the past several days to look for survivors and ensure first responders and victims have what they need. 

>RELATED: How to help victims of the Kerr County floods
>RELATED: Resources available to flood victims

As families in the area continue to mourn loved ones killed in the flood, they’re gathering at two growing makeshift memorial sites in the city. 

One is on the banks of Nimitz Lake, where artist Roberto Marquez and a small team are erecting dozens of crosses—one for each of the victims. Marquez undertook similar missions of solidarity in Uvalde in 2022, following the Robb Elementary School shooting, and later that summer in San Antonio after 53 migrants died after being abandoned in an overheated semitruck. 

“All these families that are going through this difficult moment, they will know that they’re not alone,” Marquez said. “And that way, their struggle can be handled easier.”

A few miles down the road, closer to the center of town, is a fence that has become a memorial wall for victims filled with photos, names, stuffed animals, flowers and personal letters.

There, a Friday evening vigil drew a large crowd, including families who lost loved ones, who are still searching and who are simply mourning alongside their neighbors. 

“It’s the most miraculous demonstration of unity we see in this community,” said Bishop-elect Marc Steele of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Kerrville. “We’re really joined in this sorrow and grief together.”

Florists in Kerr County are uniting to provide free floral arrangements for flood victim funerals, offering comfort and support to a grieving community.

“Barb’s Flower Barn, “The Rose Shop,” and “Especially Yours” of Kerville, along with the “Rustic Flower Shop” in Ingram, will provide the flowers for families to honor their loved ones. 

“Kerrville’s a very special place. Kerr County as a whole is the most loving. This is just exactly how you would expect our community to respond,”  Tricia Hamil with Veridian Design Group said. 

If you are in Kerr County and lost a loved one, you can reach their services at 830-257-5262 or by email at info@viridiandesignstudio.com

It was announced Friday morning that more than $30 million had already been raised for flood victims through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a major milestone for a community devastated by its neighboring river. 

More than 20 nonprofits that have been on the ground since day one would receive grants, it was announced, as well as individuals, families, local businesses and first responders. 

Austin Dixon, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, also thanked corporations like H-E-B, James Avery and Broadway Bank for providing major donations. 

“This is only the beginning,” Dixon said. “This community, this region and this state (are) not ready for the power of philanthropy that is coming to this town. We are going to do so much good because we are from Texas, and Texans step up and we handle it.”

Big-name Texas musicians are stepping up in their own way. Country superstar George Strait and Tejano favorite Shelly Lares have announced benefit concerts for the coming weeks to benefit flood victims. 

Another opportunity to help arrives Monday, when Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library (505 Water St.) hosts a blood drive. To make an appointment, email laura.sharp@southtexasblood.org. 

All parts of Texas have lent a helping hand to the Hill Country in their difficult time. 

That includes the Rio Grande Valley, from which mounted patrol officers from the City of Pharr in Hidalgo County have trotted out to help search in tough Kerr County terrain. 

“Our end goal, our end result, is to bring peace of mind to all of our families here in Ingram, and Kerr County,” said Senior Officer Irving Segura. 

They say while they are not from the Hill Country, they stand with the community that has welcomed them with open arms. Segura says they plan on being here through at least the end of the week.