The recent flooding in South Central Texas has left communities in the Hill Country reeling, with the aftermath shifting from emergency response to the arduous process of cleanup and recovery. Governor Greg Abbott is scheduled to visit Kerrville on Monday, July 20, 2026, to provide an update on the state’s response to the disaster.
The flooding, which occurred last week, has been particularly devastating, claiming lives and causing widespread damage. In response, Governor Abbott has signed an emergency disaster relief declaration, opening the door for federal assistance in the affected region. This declaration currently includes 28 of the hardest-hit counties, with the possibility of adding more if needed.
Statewide Efforts and Preparedness
The state has deployed over 2,700 personnel and numerous resources to support search, rescue, and recovery efforts. More than 270 people have been rescued during the flooding. Governor Abbott credited the improved emergency response to lessons learned from last year’s catastrophic flooding, stating, “Because of everything that was learned and experienced in the flood last year, everybody in Texas has been far more prepared to deal with what has happened this year.”
Governor Abbott is expected to speak at noon at the Hill Country Youth Event Center on State Highway 27 in Kerrville. The briefing will be livestreamed, providing updates on the recovery effort and the state’s response to last week’s flooding.
Kerr County’s Response and Recovery
Kerr County officials provided an update on the county’s response to the flooding, detailing rescue operations, emergency alerts, and infrastructure damage as floodwaters continued to recede. The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that at least one person died following the flooding. The victim, identified as John Mark Stewart of Kerrville, was swept away while inside an RV near Center Point.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha highlighted the collaborative efforts of various agencies, including Texas Parks and Wildlife game wardens, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Department of Emergency Management, Texas Task Force 1 and 2, volunteer fire departments, and the City of Kerrville. The sheriff’s office handled 234 calls for service tied to the flooding, emphasizing that “no calls went unanswered.”
Emergency Operations and Infrastructure Damage
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly outlined the timeline of the county’s disaster response, noting that the governor’s declaration prompted the activation of an incident command post. Despite initial electrical issues and water seepage, the command post was relocated and operational within 30 minutes. Commissioner Tom Jones reported that six of the county’s 19 bridges have sustained major damage, with assessments ongoing as water levels recede.
Officials also addressed the county’s flood warning system, which “worked as designed.” Alerts were sent out via CodeRED notifications and cellular monitoring, with sirens activated in specific areas. The improved communication and pre-positioned resources were cited as major differences compared to last year’s flooding.
Community Support and Future Steps
State Rep. Wes Virdell and U.S. Rep. Chip Roy emphasized the importance of community support and potential disaster assistance. They noted the broader regional impacts and the need for similar fundraising efforts as seen after last year’s disaster. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha mentioned that a shelter had been open but was considering closure due to a lack of occupants.
Volunteers are encouraged to coordinate through Kerr Together at 98 Coronado Drive, described as the disaster relief center. For donations, the public is urged to give to Global Empowerment Mission, a 501(c)(3) organization. The briefing on Friday followed the confirmation of the death on Thursday, with officials emphasizing the need for verified information before releasing details.
