Central Texas is currently grappling with severe flooding, echoing memories of a devastating storm that resulted in over 130 fatalities just a year prior. On Thursday, July 16, Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that one person had died amid the latest deluge, which has already seen over 70 individuals rescued from rising waters. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued flash flood emergency alerts across multiple regions, with evacuation orders being increasingly enforced as the situation escalates.
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Governor Abbott announced the confirmed fatality during a press conference, though further details surrounding the incident have not been disclosed. In the wake of this tragedy, more than 70 individuals have successfully been rescued, a considerable number of which have taken place in Uvalde County with assistance from Texas Game Wardens. Reports have indicated that local authorities have conducted over 40 rescue operations amidst the relentless flooding.
As of Thursday, a flood watch remains active in South-Central Texas, extending through the following day. The NWS has cautioned that over 6,000 residents along the Guadalupe River in Shelby and Kendall counties are currently facing dangerous conditions due to rising waters. One river gauge reported at 5:30 AM on Thursday indicated a “large and deadly flood wave” moving downstream, with significant surges in water levels expected.
In specific terms, the river rose an alarming 32 feet within just four hours at Center Point, heightening fears of catastrophic flooding akin to that experienced during the July 2025 disaster. The NWS has warned residents of the extreme risk, urging them to “seek higher ground now” to ensure their safety.
In Kerr County, where a tragic incident claimed the lives of 27 young campers at Camp Mystic last year, County Judge Rob Kelly has reached out to the governor for assistance. He highlighted the severe nature of the current flooding, stating that “an effective response is beyond the capability of Kerr County to control”. Judge Kelly is advocating for Governor Abbott to declare a state of emergency for Kerr County to facilitate a coordinated response effort.
Meanwhile, Uvalde County has responded to the rising flood threat by issuing mandatory evacuation orders to residents. Local authorities are encouraging those affected to remain vigilant as the situation develops. The Uvalde Volunteer Fire Department has been proactive in communicating with the community, advising that shelters are available for those displaced by the flooding.
In an ongoing effort to maximise safety, the fire department has warned that all major highways and streets in proximity to rivers and low-water crossings in Uvalde have been closed due to floodwaters. Officials have strongly recommended against attempting to navigate through flooded roadways, insisting on the importance of the message: “Turn around, don’t drown.” They emphasised that even a small amount of moving water can sweep vehicles off their path, and conditions can swiftly deteriorate.
As evacuation orders increase and communities band together to navigate this crisis, the residents of Central Texas are reminded of the potential dangers posed by severe weather events. The current flooding not only serves as a stark reminder of the previous year’s tragedy but also underscores the pressing need for effective disaster preparedness and response strategies in the face of natural calamities.