Four days after powerful flash floods hit central Texas, more than 160 people remain unaccounted for, according to Governor Greg Abbott. The deadly floods swept through the state over the July Fourth weekend, killing over 100 people and leaving entire communities devastated.

While speaking in Hunt, Texas, Abbott said, “We will not stop until every missing person is accounted for.” He flew over the disaster-hit area by helicopter to assess the damage firsthand.

Hill Country Camps Hit Hard

Many of the missing had been staying in the Hill Country region, especially around campsites near the Guadalupe River. Officials say it’s difficult to identify who’s missing because many people were in temporary shelters or camps. The number of reported missing grew rapidly after a hotline was set up for families to report loved ones.

Authorities believe most missing persons are from Kerr County. Search crews in that area have already found dozens of bodies. Governor Abbott confirmed that rescue efforts are continuing, but hopes of finding survivors are fading. In fact, no one has been found alive in the affected area since Friday.

Trump Expresses Sympathy, Plans Visit

US President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the tragedy. He said he is especially heartbroken for “all the little girls who have lost their lives.” Trump has promised federal support and plans to visit Texas on Friday.

Focus Still on Rescue, Not Blame

Some have questioned whether the local authorities gave people enough warning before the floodwaters arrived. However, Kerr County leaders say that investigating the timing of alerts is not their current priority. Lt. Col. Ben Baker from the Texas Game Wardens explained, “Right now, this team is focused on bringing people home.”

Tragedy at Camp Mystic

One of the hardest-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls. At least 27 campers and staff members died there. As of Tuesday, five campers and one counselor are still missing. Governor Abbott is expected to visit the camp soon.

Scenes from the site show mud-covered blankets and brightly colored luggage scattered across the ground. Among the victims was a young girl who loved pink sparkles, a 19-year-old counselor who was passionate about guiding others, and the 75-year-old camp director.

Deadly Flash Flood Came Without Warning

The flooding began early Friday before sunrise. Heavy rain caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly—by 26 feet (8 meters) in less than an hour. Cabins, tents, and trailers were swept away. Some survivors escaped by climbing trees or breaking out of cabin windows.

While a few camps managed to evacuate children in time, many others had no time to react. Experts believe climate change may be contributing to such extreme weather, although they say it's hard to blame one specific storm on global warming alone.

Lack of Alert System Under Scrutiny

Questions have emerged about why no alert system was in place. Local officials in Kerr County admitted they don't have an emergency warning system. A previous attempt to get nearly $1 million in federal funding was rejected. Also, the community had voted against paying for a system through local taxes.

Lives and Homes Shattered

The flooding affected a wide area of central Texas, stretching hundreds of miles and even reaching close to Austin. Survivors are now trying to pick up the pieces.

One survivor, Aidan Duncan, escaped from Riverside RV Park in Ingram after hearing a loudspeaker warning. Though he made it out safely, everything he owned—including his birdcage and sports card collection—is now buried in mud outside his ruined home.

So far, officials have confirmed that 30 of the victims in Kerr County were children, making the tragedy even more heartbreaking.