Last week's severe flooding in the Texas Hill Country claimed two lives but left a trail of widespread destruction, with 135 homes destroyed or heavily damaged and nearly 500 more residences plus about 100 businesses impacted in Kerr County alone. Gov. Greg Abbott shared the updated damage assessment Monday after surveying the area by helicopter.
The fast-moving waters from the Guadalupe River surged last week, affecting communities including Kerrville. Abbott noted the majority of impacted homes were owner-occupied single-family properties, creating an urgent need for long-term housing, repairs, and rebuilding assistance.
While search and rescue efforts have transitioned to recovery, downstream flooding remains a concern for areas like Cotulla, Tilden, and Carrizo Springs. The governor highlighted that nearly all rivers in the region hit record highs, with this event proving worse than last year's floods in Kerrville in some aspects, though the death toll was far lower this time.
I have been briefed by state emergency management officials on the threat to life due to extreme flooding in Southwest and Central Texas.
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) July 16, 2026
Last year’s tragic 4th of July floods were caused by 20.29 inches of rainfall. Through the weekend, we are expecting 30 inches of total… pic.twitter.com/NVj3L4aAAf
State and local officials continue debris removal and damage assessments across the affected counties. Abbott has declared a disaster in the hardest-hit areas, unlocking state resources, and a federal major disaster declaration is supporting recovery efforts.
The flooding underscores the vulnerability of the Texas Hill Country to extreme weather, with residents and first responders once again demonstrating remarkable resilience. Community organizations and volunteers are stepping up to help families begin the long process of recovery.
KRLD will continue tracking the recovery efforts and providing resources for those affected. Residents in impacted areas should contact local emergency management offices or visit recovery.texas.gov for assistance information.
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