Texas Families Face Grim Reality That Some Missing From Floods May Not Be Found

A new round of heavy rains Sunday and a renewed threat of flooding in central Texas interrupted the search for those still missing from the devastating July 4 flash floods. Ten days after fast-moving waters of the Guadalupe River swept away homes and vehicles, the full extent of the human toll is still emerging. John Yang speaks with reporter Tony Plohetski for the latest from Texas.

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John Yang:

Good evening. I’m John Yang. A new round of heavy rains and a renewed threat of flooding in central Texas today interrupted the search for those still missing from the devastating Fourth of July flash floods. Ten days after the fast moving waters of the Guadalupe River swept away homes and vehicles, the full extent of the human toll is still emerging.

The death toll has risen to nearly 130, with more than 170 people still unaccounted for. Tony Plohetski is a reporter with the Austin American-Statesman and Austin television station KVUE. Tony, what are conditions like right now and any indication of when searchers will be able to get back to work?

Tony Plohetski, The Austin American-Statesman:

John, we have had flash flood warnings throughout the region all afternoon as bands of heavy rain and thunderstorms move through this area. Of course, everyone is looking to the sky, given what happened here about 10 days ago.

But as we with regard to the rescue, as we know it was halted earlier this morning due to that flooding threat, that continued flooding threat. But officials say they are prepared to begin resuming the search for possible victims of this flooding as early as late today and definitely overnight and first thing tomorrow on Monday.

John Yang:

As that search goes on, is there a possibility that some victims may never be found?

Tony Plohetski:

John that is the grim reality that many families are beginning to confront. Given the fact that now the search has gone on for so many days. There are emerging conversations, particularly for example in the legal community here in Austin about what that can mean with regard to possibly obtaining death certificates, settling the estates of some of the victims of the flood.

John, I’m told that soon after 9/11, the Texas legislature actually put a new law in place that would allow loved ones and families of victims of natural disasters to obtain death certificates within 10 days of a disaster similar to the one that unfolded here.

John Yang:

And talk about the process of what our officials are doing to identify those who have been found.

Tony Plohetski:

John, this is a very difficult task. What I’m told is that local justices of the peace in Kerr County have relied on a number of ways to try to identify victims of the flood, including visual determination of some of the victims. At the same time, though, we know that autopsies have been ordered for some of them and their bodies have been taken to both medical examiners offices, Travis county here in Austin as well as Bexar County in San Antonio.

John, we’re told that in addition to that, authorities are also relying upon rapid DNA that they are actually sending for testing at the University of North Texas, that’s outside of Dallas, to try to verify and confirm the identities of some of the victims before releasing them to their families for funeral services.

John Yang:

And speaking of the funeral services, I understand they are underway funerals and memorial services. I know you’ve spoken to people who’ve lost family members and other loved ones. Tell me about that those conversations.

Tony Plohetski:

As you can imagine, particularly with parents who have lost their young children, the grief is just unimaginable. The fact that there are so many funerals happening across the state right here in Austin, we know that a number of young girls died at Camp Mystic.

This tragedy has impacted people that I know that my family knows directly. So I think of Lenny McCowen who died alongside her best friend at Camp Mystic, Abby Pole. I’ve been in touch with the parents of both of them. I also think of Mary Stevens, who was an 8-year-old who also died at Camp Mystic. And so the families are of course continuing to grieve, as is the entire community and by now knows of all of their stories.

John Yang:

Tony Plohetski with some heartbreaking details from Austin, Texas. Thank you very much.

Tony Plohetski:

Thank you.

The devastating floods in Texas have left communities grappling with loss, uncertainty, and the daunting task of rebuilding. For families still searching for loved ones, the emotional toll is immeasurable. As rescue operations continue, the challenges posed by the disaster’s scale—debris-strewn landscapes, treacherous waters, and damaged infrastructure—have made recovery efforts increasingly complex. Authorities warn that some missing individuals may never be found, a reality that compounds the grief of those affected.

The floods have also sparked broader conversations about preparedness and resilience. Climate experts point to the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, urging communities to strengthen infrastructure and emergency response systems. Local organizations are stepping up, providing shelter, food, and counseling to displaced families, but resources remain stretched thin. Volunteers have been instrumental, offering support in cleanup efforts and distributing supplies.

Moving forward, Texas faces the challenge of balancing immediate recovery with long-term planning. Investments in flood defenses, better urban planning, and community education are critical to mitigating future disasters. For now, the focus remains on supporting those who have lost homes, livelihoods, and, in some cases, hope. Solidarity and resilience will be key as Texas rebuilds.