Two Die, Over 230 Rescued in Central Texas Flash Floods

Two people died and more than 230 others were rescued after torrential rains produced flash floods across central Texas this week. One victim was swept away near Uvalde, 138 km southwest of San Antonio. The second, John Mark Steward of Kerrville, died when floodwaters from Goat Creek carried away his mobile home.

Heavy rainfall began Tuesday, July 14, and continued to affect western parts of the state, including Big Bend National Park. The National Weather Service recorded 25 to 50 cm of rain in many areas, with isolated spots receiving as much as 60 cm. Nearly 6 million people were placed under flood watches across south and central Texas.

Texas deployed 2,350 emergency responders equipped with helicopters and boats. More than 800 vehicles, 75 boats and 20 aircraft supported the operation. One California driver, Gabriel Pablo, was rescued from an 18-wheeler overtaken by floodwaters.

Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 59 counties and ordered round-the-clock operations. “We are dealing with and responding to a flood that is likely going to break records,” Abbott said. The same region recorded at least 139 flood deaths a little more than a year earlier, including 28 at Camp Mystic in Kerr County.

Camp Mystic did not open this summer and filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy earlier this year. In September 2025 Abbott signed a law requiring flood-warning sirens in prone areas and allocated $50 million for the systems. Kerr County reported its system operational last month.

Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Jon Ossoff of Georgia introduced the Mystic Alerts Act this week. The bill would allow satellite delivery of emergency alerts when cellular service fails.