More than 170 Missing, over 110 dead as Texas flood recovery continues

As search and rescue operations continue across flood-ravaged areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott revealed a heartbreaking update Tuesday.

(NBC)- As search and rescue operations continue across flood-ravaged areas of Texas, Governor Greg Abbott revealed a heartbreaking update Tuesday: 161 people remain missing in Kerr County alone. Statewide, the number of unaccounted-for individuals has climbed to more than 170. “Just in the Kerr County area alone, there are 161 people who are known to be missing,” Governor Abbott said during a press briefing, highlighting the scale of the ongoing crisis.

The death toll has now surpassed 110, as floodwaters have devastated communities, swept away homes, and overwhelmed emergency response systems.

Kerrville Mayor Joe Herring Jr. described the deep emotional toll: “I’ve lost friends, true friends… and we’ve lost precious families, precious children. I wish to God there was a way we could have warned them.”

As grieving families search for answers, questions are mounting about the response from the National Weather Service—particularly around staffing levels and the timeliness of storm warnings as the floodwaters began to rise.

While investigations are likely to follow, there is no debate over the monumental scale of the clean-up ahead—or the vital role volunteers are playing.

Daniel Olivas, a resident working to salvage what’s left of his home, described the outpouring of support. “We had 33 angels show up on Sunday. Out of nowhere,” he said, as he cut away waterlogged sheetrock and removed soaked furniture. “I don’t know where people show up from, just wanting to help. That’s just amazing.”

For many in this region, volunteering isn’t just a gesture—it’s a duty.

“Just to be Texans and just coming together and doing what we need to do,” said Jason Sabala, a local volunteer.