Rescue Operations Halted in Central Texas as New Flood Warnings Emerge

Emergency crews in central Texas have suspended search and rescue operations due to renewed heavy rainfall and flash flood warnings. The Guadalupe River, already swollen from previous flooding, is expected to rise further, prompting authorities to halt recovery efforts temporarily.

The suspension marks the first time that new severe weather has paused search operations since the catastrophic flooding that began on July 4. In Kerr County, officials ordered search crews to evacuate the Guadalupe River corridor, citing a high potential for flash floods. Fire Department spokesman Brian Lochte indicated that search and rescue efforts would resume once river conditions stabilize.

The National Weather Service has issued warnings for additional rainfall, with forecasts predicting up to half a foot of rain in areas from the Rio Grande to San Antonio and Austin. This new round of storms threatens to exacerbate the already dire situation, as the region continues to recover from the devastating floods that have claimed at least 131 lives and left numerous individuals missing.

The flooding has had a particularly severe impact on Kerr County, where the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes on July 4, washing away homes and vehicles. The swift-moving waters overwhelmed areas such as Camp Mystic, a century-old all-girls Christian summer camp, resulting in the deaths of at least 27 campers and counselors.

In response to the ongoing crisis, local officials have been conducting door-to-door notifications to warn residents of potential new flooding. Evacuations have been ordered in certain areas, and temporary shelters have been established to accommodate displaced individuals. The situation remains fluid, with authorities closely monitoring weather conditions and river levels to determine the appropriate timing for resuming search and rescue operations.

The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, with many residents displaced and infrastructure severely damaged. As the region braces for additional rainfall, the priority remains the safety of both residents and emergency responders. Authorities are urging the public to stay informed through official channels and to heed evacuation orders and safety advisories.