By Noah Patton, NLIHC Director of Disaster Recovery
Moisture from the remnants of Tropical Storm Barry collided with atmospheric conditions over central Texas during the July 4th weekend triggering a series of devastating flash floods that swept across the region. The storms, which intensified rapidly, delivered unprecedented rainfall and overwhelmed rivers, creeks, and stormwater systems, particularly in the Texas Hill Country. With search and rescue operations now entering their seventh day, the disaster has already claimed the lives of at least 120 people, with at least 160 more still missing. Subdivisions, summer camps, and RV parks have been submerged or destroyed. Damage assessments are ongoing, and the full impact on housing is unknown across the region.
One of the most harrowing impacts occurred in Kerr County, northwest of San Antonio, where over 10 inches of rain fell in less than an hour. The Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, inundating nearby communities and facilities. Among the most tragic sites was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for children located within a FEMA-designated floodway, where at least 27 campers and counselors died. Many more remain unaccounted for. Nearby residential subdivisions also experienced catastrophic flooding, though the total number of homes impacted is still being assessed. In response, President Trump issued a major disaster declaration, which as of this writing only covers Kerr County. Flooding deaths have occurred in Burnet, Kendall, Kerr, Tom Green, and Travis Counties.
Allegations have surfaced that recent staffing cuts at the federal level may have contributed to a delay in warning systems. While the National Weather Service (NWS) issued 22 alerts for the area, a key position responsible for direct communication with local officials in the San Antonio forecast office was reportedly vacant. NWS personnel had been targeted for dismissal and buyouts by the Trump Administration earlier this year.
FEMA has deployed an Incident Management Team to the area, and a Disaster Recovery Center is open at First Baptist Church in Kerrville. A FEMA search and rescue team was also deployed several days after the flooding. The acting FEMA administrator has not made a statement with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem speaking for the Administration. The Customs and Border Partrol (CBP) Border Search Trauma and Rescue Team (BORSTAR) has also been deployed to the area. HUD’s Disaster Technical Assistance Team is also providing support. Shelters are operating across the region, housing hundreds of displaced residents, with the American Red Cross managing operations.
Impacts range across the region. As of this writing, in Burnet County, northwest of Austin, five fatalities occurred with more than 62 water rescues performed, including at Hamilton Creek Manor, a subsidized housing complex. Williamson County has reported three deaths, evacuations of an apartment building and RV parks in Georgetown, and one person is still missing. Downstream in Kendall County, eight fatalities have been confirmed. Farther west, Tom Green County experienced 14 inches of rain on July 4, leading to one confirmed death and damage to approximately 12,000 structures in the San Angelo area. In Travis County, which includes Austin, seven lives have been lost and 10 people are still missing. Significant housing damage is expected across these areas.
Governor Abbott emphasized that Texas is deploying all necessary resources to the Hill Country, including rescue boats, helicopters, and National Guard support, while urging residents to follow local guidance. He called for a state-led investigation focused on solutions, declared July 6 a “Day of Prayer” for flood victims, and ordered the State Operations Center to stay in an elevated response mode due to ongoing rain risks.
NLIHC and members of our Disaster Housing Recovery Coalition (DHRC) are closely monitoring the devastating floods in Texas and will work to support impacted low-income households and local advocates as part of our ongoing Disaster Housing Recovery, Research, and Resilience (DHR) efforts. The NLIHC-led DHRC is a nationwide network of over 900 national, state, and local organizations committed to ensuring that federal disaster recovery efforts prioritize the communities most affected and historically marginalized, especially households with the lowest incomes and those experiencing homelessness.
Here is a list of federal safety, health, and recovery resources. Federal assistance applications can be found at DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-3362, or via the FEMA app.
Read FEMA’s hurricane preparation advice at: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
Download the FEMA app to receive updates and sign up for emergency alerts.