Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced late Tuesday that the number of people still missing from the catastrophic July 4 flash floods in Central Texas has now dropped to just two individuals: one adult male and one young girl from Camp Mystic. A woman’s body was recovered near Kerrville over the weekend, reducing the total missing count to two.
From Hundreds to Two: How the Count Fell
Initially, more than 160 people were reported missing across the Hill Country after torrential rains turned the Guadalupe River into a powerful, destructive surge. But through extensive search-and-rescue operations, law enforcement follow-ups with tourists and campers, and cross-checking records, the missing-to-confirmed tally has declined dramatically - from 161 to three, and now to two.
Mass Recovery Effort
This sharp drop reflects both a massive multi-agency rescue effort and the chaotic reporting environment in the storm’s aftermath. Officials caution that initial counts can be unreliable - many “missing” individuals are tourists who simply checked out via cell phone or left the area safely once communications resumed.
Still Two Loved Ones Unaccounted
The two unlocated remain a priority. Search crews - including Task Force 1 - are continuing to comb the region. Gov. Abbott reiterated that his office, federal agencies, and local authorities remain “fully committed” to accounting for every single person affected.
Why This Matters
The narrowing from 160+ reported missing to just two highlights the importance of methodical verification in disaster response.
It brings a measure of relief to communities while underscoring the continuing vulnerability of flood-prone zones in Central Texas.
Abbott’s update comes amid mounting pressure for improved flood warning systems and emergency coordination - agenda items he’s signaled he’ll champion in the upcoming special legislative session.
What’s Next
Search efforts continue until both missing individuals - one adult and one child - are found or unaccounted-for status is resolved.
Abbott says he’s finalizing plans to include flood-warning infrastructure and emergency planning in a special session, with a public hearing scheduled in Kerrville on July 31.
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