Here’s what to know as another day of searches and recovery get underway in Kerr County.
SAN ANTONIO — A second week of search and recovery efforts for flood victims in Kerr County is expected to begin Monday following a brief pause Sunday due to an emergency weather alert from Kerr County officials.
Kerr County officials said at least 161 are still unaccounted for after the July Fourth floods that saw the waters of the Guadalupe rise to historic levels in Central Texas. On Sunday officials confirmed 106 deaths, 36 of whom are children.
The Ingram Fire Department posted on its Facebook page Sunday morning it was suspending search and rescue operations due to potential for rain and flooding. This came after Kerr County official issued a CodeRed late Saturday night – more than 10 hours before the National Weather Service flood warning at 9:10 a.m. Sunday.
NWS warning stated, “Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly,” that warning was over in three hours – a stark difference to July 4th when devastating flooding tore through the county. Recovery efforts were able to resume in West Kerr County Sunday afternoon, according to the sheriff’s department.
The agencies are expected to continue the search and recovery efforts Monday pending any inclement weather. Bexar County, Medina County and the Hill Country are under a Flood Watch until 9 a.m. Monday. There is potential for heavy thunderstorms west of I-35 including into Monday morning, which means there is a moderate risk of isolated flooding.
Many of the volunteers who were told to pause their operations are eager to go back and help bring closure to the families.
“The need to help out has been really great. I can’t tell you how happy I am to see all these people come in to our little location and donating and providing the volunteers, wanting to do road cleanup,” Erik Burton, Post commander at VFW Post 1480 in Kerrville said.
More than 2,000 local, state and federal personnel are involved in the ongoing search and recovery operations. Their efforts have been bolstered by more than 12,000 volunteers pitching in over the past several days to look for survivors and ensure first responders and victims have what they need.
>RELATED: How to help victims of the Kerr County floods
>RELATED: Resources available to flood victims
Dual memorials in Kerrville
As families in the area continue to mourn loved ones killed in the flood, they’re gathering at two growing makeshift memorial sites in the city.
One is on the banks of Nimitz Lake, where artist Roberto Marquez and a small team are erecting dozens of crosses—one for each of the victims. Marquez undertook similar missions of solidarity in Uvalde in 2022, following the Robb Elementary School shooting, and later that summer in San Antonio after 53 migrants died after being abandoned in an overheated semitruck.
“All these families that are going through this difficult moment, they will know that they’re not alone,” Marquez said. “And that way, their struggle can be handled easier.”
A few miles down the road, closer to the center of town, is a fence that has become a memorial wall for victims filled with photos, names, stuffed animals, flowers and personal letters.
There, a Friday evening vigil drew a large crowd, including families who lost loved ones, who are still searching and who are simply mourning alongside their neighbors.
“It’s the most miraculous demonstration of unity we see in this community,” said Bishop-elect Marc Steele of St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Kerrville. “We’re really joined in this sorrow and grief together.”
A community united
Florists in Kerr County are uniting to provide free floral arrangements for flood victim funerals, offering comfort and support to a grieving community.
“Barb’s Flower Barn, “The Rose Shop,” and “Especially Yours” of Kerville, along with the “Rustic Flower Shop” in Ingram, will provide the flowers for families to honor their loved ones.
“Kerrville’s a very special place. Kerr County as a whole is the most loving. This is just exactly how you would expect our community to respond,” Tricia Hamil with Veridian Design Group said.
If you are in Kerr County and lost a loved one, you can reach their services at 830-257-5262 or by email at info@viridiandesignstudio.com
‘This is only the beginning’
It was announced Friday morning that more than $30 million had already been raised for flood victims through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, a major milestone for a community devastated by its neighboring river.
More than 20 nonprofits that have been on the ground since day one would receive grants, it was announced, as well as individuals, families, local businesses and first responders.
Austin Dixon, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, also thanked corporations like H-E-B, James Avery and Broadway Bank for providing major donations.
“This is only the beginning,” Dixon said. “This community, this region and this state (are) not ready for the power of philanthropy that is coming to this town. We are going to do so much good because we are from Texas, and Texans step up and we handle it.”
Big-name Texas musicians are stepping up in their own way. Country superstar George Strait and Tejano favorite Shelly Lares have announced benefit concerts for the coming weeks to benefit flood victims.
Another opportunity to help arrives Monday, when Butt-Holdsworth Memorial Library (505 Water St.) hosts a blood drive. To make an appointment, email laura.sharp@southtexasblood.org.
Support from RGV neighbors
All parts of Texas have lent a helping hand to the Hill Country in their difficult time.
That includes the Rio Grande Valley, from which mounted patrol officers from the City of Pharr in Hidalgo County have trotted out to help search in tough Kerr County terrain.
“Our end goal, our end result, is to bring peace of mind to all of our families here in Ingram, and Kerr County,” said Senior Officer Irving Segura.
They say while they are not from the Hill Country, they stand with the community that has welcomed them with open arms. Segura says they plan on being here through at least the end of the week.