Kerrville: Search and rescue operations continued across flood-ravaged parts of Texas on Monday, as authorities confirmed at least 78 people dead and dozens still missing following catastrophic flooding that struck over the weekend.
Emergency crews, supported by the National Guard and federal disaster teams, have been scouring the hardest-hit areas, including towns along the Colorado and Brazos rivers, where water levels surged to historic highs after days of relentless rain.
Officials described the situation as one of the worst natural disasters to hit the state in years. More than 200,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed, with many communities left inaccessible due to washed-out roads and collapsed bridges.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a statewide emergency and pledged all available resources for rescue and recovery. “This is a devastating event for Texas,” Abbott said during a press briefing. “We are doing everything possible to locate the missing and support survivors.”
The U.S. Coast Guard, FEMA, and local authorities have been using boats, helicopters, and drones in their search efforts. Rescuers have faced challenges due to continuing rain and unstable terrain, raising fears that the death toll could rise further.
In addition to the human toll, environmental agencies are monitoring the potential for water contamination and hazardous waste spills from flooded industrial sites.
President donald Trump has approved a federal disaster declaration, allowing additional aid to be dispatched to the region, including medical support, temporary shelters, and infrastructure repair.
Meteorologists say the extreme rainfall was fuelled by a stalled weather system pulling moisture from the Gulf of Mexico — a pattern made more likely by climate change, experts warn.
As Texas mourns the loss of lives, recovery efforts are expected to continue for weeks, with authorities urging residents to stay away from flood-prone zones and follow safety advisories.
