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Emergency crews have suspended search operations in Kerr County, Texas, due to fresh flash flood warnings on Sunday, just days after deadly storms devastated the region over the July 4 holiday.
Rising waters along the Guadalupe River have once again placed Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities under threat, halting the search for more than 160 people still missing from earlier floods. Local police announced that ground operations were paused before 8 a.m. Sunday, citing dangerous conditions and rising water levels.
The National Weather Service issued renewed flash flood warnings across multiple Central Texas counties, including San Saba, Lampasas, and Schleicher, where rivers are nearing overflow levels.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that rescue operations were underway in the flood zones and urged residents to comply with evacuation orders. “Our first priority is the safety of every Texan in harm’s way,” Abbott said in a statement.
Officials have called the flooding “unprecedented”, with July 4 storms triggering the overflow of the Guadalupe River, washing away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure in Kerr County. Emergency shelters remain open in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, and surrounding towns.
In a televised interview, President Donald Trump offered condolences to victims and their families, calling the flooding “devastating” and praising first responders for their bravery. “We are praying for the people of Texas what they are enduring is truly heartbreaking,” he said.
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