By Alex Lederman in Kerr County, Texas, & Ali Abbas Ahmadi | BBC News

Four days after devastating flash floods struck parts of Texas, officials say at least 161 people remain missing in Kerr County alone, as rescue efforts stretch into their fifth day and hope of finding survivors fades.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed in a Tuesday press conference that at least 109 people have died, with the vast majority — 94 deaths — reported in and around the city of Kerrville. Among the missing are five campers and a counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls located on the banks of the swollen Guadalupe River.

Governor Abbott vowed that search and rescue operations would continue around the clock: “We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for.” He also warned that the number of missing could rise as more names are reported by family and friends.

Massive Rescue Effort Underway

The response to the disaster involves over 250 emergency workers in Kerr County alone, including members of the Texas National Guard, FBI, Border Patrol, and local authorities. Thirteen Black Hawk helicopters, including several from Arkansas, along with Chinooks and reaper drones, are being used to assist in the search.

General Thomas Suelzer of the Texas National Guard said rescue teams are doing all they can, using high-tech equipment and manpower, but the scale of destruction has made their work extremely difficult.

Rescue volunteer Tim described the scene as “a nightmare,” worse than anything he had seen in previous floods or hurricanes in the region. Another rescuer, Justin, said the search felt like “trying to find a single hay in a haystack,” due to the widespread damage and lack of resources like cadaver dogs.

Concerns Over Warnings and Accountability

There is growing concern over whether enough warning was given to residents before the floods hit. Critics question why earlier evacuation orders weren’t issued, especially given that it was a holiday weekend and many people were camping or staying near rivers.

Governor Abbott acknowledged that while warnings were issued, authorities had no way of predicting the true magnitude of the event. “No one anticipated a 30-foot wall of water,” he said, referring to the massive wave that swept through parts of central Texas.

When asked about who was to blame, the governor dismissed the question as “the word choice of losers,” suggesting that now is the time for unity, not finger-pointing.

A Community in Ruins

The Guadalupe River rose rapidly following torrential downpours early on Friday, July 4th, submerging homes, camps, and RV parks. The beloved Camp Mystic later confirmed at least 27 of its campers and staff were among the dead.

Justin Brown, a longtime resident of Blue Oak RV Park, described how his home — and most of the neighborhood — was washed away. Thanks to quick action by the landlord and emergency workers, nearly all residents were evacuated before disaster struck.

“There’s nothing left now,” he said, standing in front of a muddy lot where his home used to be. “We’re going to rebuild. We have to.”

Federal Response and Other Flood Emergencies

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are scheduled to visit flood-affected areas on Friday to assess the damage and meet with victims and first responders.

Meanwhile, in neighboring New Mexico, a separate flash flood emergency unfolded on Tuesday, with officials warning residents in Ruidoso to prepare for high floodwaters. The Rio Ruidoso surged to a height of 15 feet (4.5 meters), prompting swift boat rescues as homes were swept away.

Officials there are also searching for missing persons.