The confirmed death toll from Friday’s catastrophic flooding in Kerr County climbed to 32 on Saturday, including 14 children. Five adults and three children remain unidentified, officials said at a press conference held at the Hill Country Youth Event Center.
Among the dead are Dick Eastland of Camp Mystic and Jane Ragsdale of Heart of the Hills Girls Camp, according to officials during a Saturday evening press conference.
The flooding, which officials have described as one of the deadliest disasters in Hill Country history, began around 4 a.m. Friday when up to 12 inches of rain per hour caused the Guadalupe River to rise 26 feet in just 45 minutes. U.S. Geological Survey data showed the river peaked at more than 147,000 cubic feet per second. The event eclipsed the 1987 flood that killed 10 teenagers and was previously considered the area’s worst.
Gov. Greg Abbott said the state will pursue a relentless and ongoing search for those still missing.
“We’re not going to stop today or tomorrow. We will stop when the job is completed,” Abbott said. “My instruction to every state agency is to assume everybody who is missing is alive and there’s a need for speed.”
Officials say the wide-reaching emergency response includes 1,331 state personnel and 96 state assets—helicopters, boats, and ground search teams with canine units. Federal assistance has been activated, including Coast Guard units and Customs and Border Protection’s BORTAC team.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said President Donald Trump is committed to the federal disaster response and confirmed Trump would honor Abbott’s request for a federal disaster declaration.
“President Trump is absolutely committed to using all the resources of the federal government to help unify families and rescue all those still missing,” Noem said.
Others in attendance included Sen. John Cornyn, Rep. Chip Roy, Texas Division of Emergency Management Chief Nim Kidd, Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. and Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly.
While Judge Kelly said the situation is shifting from rescue to recovery, Abbott emphasized that responders are still operating under life-saving protocols.
“This is a once-in-a-century flood,” Rep. Roy said. “You don’t expect to see the river rise 26 to 30 feet in an hour and a half between 4 and 6 in the morning on a holiday.”
Infrastructure damage is widespread. About 1,800 people remain without power. Roads and bridges have been damaged across the county, though area dams held, officials said. As waters begin to recede, search operations continue along the entire river system, uncovering new areas.
How to Help Flood Victims
As recovery efforts expand, residents and supporters are encouraged to donate through verified channels and avoid self-deploying.
Kerr County Flood Relief Fund
The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has established the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, with donations going to vetted rescue and recovery organizations. Donations can be made online at communityfoundation.net.
Salvation Army Kerrville – Official Partner for Donations
The Salvation Army Kerrville (855 Hays St.) is the official partner for volunteer coordination and in-kind donations. They are not an emergency shelter but are distributing:
- Nonperishable food
- Cleaning supplies
- Diapers
- Toiletries
Operating Hours:
- Sunday, July 6: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Call (830) 465-4797 for information.
Southern Oaks Church Supply Drive
Drop-off location: 122 Valley View, Kerrville
Most-needed items include hygiene kits, baby items, clothing, nonperishable food, and comfort materials. Online donations can be made by selecting “River Flood Relief Fund” on the church website.
Austin-Area Drop-Off Locations
- Jester King Brewery (13187 Fitzhugh Rd, Austin): Supplies delivered to Cross Kingdom Church.
- Treaty Oak Distillery (16604 Fitzhugh Rd, Dripping Springs): Accepting hygiene, cleaning, and emergency supplies.
Cross Kingdom Church (3044 Junction Hwy, Kerrville) is distributing donated goods to affected families.
TEXSAR (Texas Search and Rescue), an Austin-based nonprofit, has deployed swiftwater rescue teams, drones, and K9 units. They are fundraising to sustain operations with a $100,000 goal. Donate at texsar.org.
How to Get Help If You’re Affected
Reunification Center
For those looking for missing individuals not connected to summer camps, visit Calvary Temple Church, 3000 Loop 534 or call 830-258-1111. You can also email [email protected]. Free meals are available on-site from the Dam Smoking Food Truck.
Reporting Damage
Texans impacted by the floods should report damage using the Individual State of Texas Assessment Tool (iSTAT). This helps determine disaster declarations and access to federal aid.
Insurance Claims
- Contact your insurance company first.
- Document all damage with photos and video.
- Ask about advance payments and housing assistance.
- Keep receipts if temporarily displaced.
- For questions, call the Texas Department of Insurance at 800-252-3439.
Legal Help
The State Bar of Texas offers a disaster legal hotline for help with insurance, landlord disputes, contractor fraud, and document recovery: 800-504-7030.
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