2 people dead amid record-breaking catastrophic flooding in Hill Country, Governor Abbott confirms

AUSTIN, Texas (KTRK) — A second person has been reported dead after catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country, according to Gov. Greg Abbott.

A man died near Comfort whose RV was swept away, while another woman was killed when the vehicle she was driving was swept away near Uvalde, the governor said.

River levels reach record levels

At a press conference, Abbott confirmed that the Nueces River near Uvalde had set a new record, rushing at twice the flow of Niagara Falls.

The Frio River, also near Uvalde, is seeing its five worst peaks on record, while the Guadalupe River near Comfort is seeing its three worst peaks, higher than last year’s disaster.

Last year, July 4 floods claimed more than 100 lives, most of them in Kerr County, where water levels along the Guadalupe River rose rapidly.

See also: Flash flood emergency occurring in the same area of ​​Texas as the Camp Mystic tragedy

Risks remain as more rain is expected and resources are being used in preparation

While the death toll is nowhere near last year’s, Abbott urged people to stay safe as more rain is expected Thursday evening, citing the greatest risk in the Uvalde and Johnson City areas over the next 24 hours. Officials added that the threat of tornadoes remains.

The governor said more than 2,300 first responders across various agencies, including those from outside Texas, were conducting rescues throughout the Hill Country, with at least 230 rescues already completed. More than 85 boats and 21 aircraft were deployed to assist in rescue operations.

Videos shared with ABC13 showed helicopters retrieving victims from dangerous areas surrounded by water.

Texas Department of Emergency Management W. Nim Kidd said the Uvalde community was cut off from road access on all sides.

Texas Game Wardens are deployed across Uvalde, Medina, Kerr, Bandera, Real, Val Verde, Kimble and Comal counties.

Community comes together

Although the disaster is far from over, community members in Kerrville gathered in Taqueria Jalisco to clean up the aftermath of the floods.

Volunteers were seen washing mud-filled restaurant furniture and various items, such as plates and utensils.

Owner Abel Vasquez said he was shocked by the floodwaters, which created a wave that swept away everything in its path.

“All of a sudden, the creek just flowed out,” Vasquez said. “The water lines were almost to the ceiling… and for the people we know, we thank God that no one was hurt.”

A house next to Taqueria Jalisco was found to have been hit by vehicles, demonstrating the immense power of the nearby flowing river.

Kerrville residents who spoke to ABC13 said the damage they saw was worse than the July 4 floods of last year.