At least two dead as heavy rains, floods strike central Texas

Central Texas faced a major flooding crisis this week as torrential rains and flash floods swept across the region. Two fatalities were confirmed: one person near Uvalde, southwest of San Antonio, and John Mark Steward of Kerrville, whose mobile home was carried away by overflow from Goat Creek. More than 230 people required rescue operations as storms continued to affect western portions of the state, including Big Bend National Park.

State authorities mobilized an extensive emergency response, deploying 2,350 responders equipped with helicopters and boats. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster across 59 counties and activated round-the-clock operations. The deployment included over 800 vehicles, 75 boats, and 20 aircraft. One notable rescue involved a California driver whose 18-wheeler was swept away by floodwaters; he described the force as overwhelming.

Rainfall measurements proved extraordinary, with the National Weather Service documenting 25–50 centimetres across affected areas and up to 60 centimetres in some locations—exceeding typical annual precipitation. Nearly 6 million people were placed under flood watches. The same region had experienced catastrophic flooding just over a year prior, which killed at least 139 people, including 28 at Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp that subsequently filed for bankruptcy.

In response to the previous disaster, Texas implemented new preparedness measures. Abbott signed legislation requiring warning sirens in flood-prone areas, allocating $50 million for system installation and operation. Kerr County activated its new siren system before this week's storms. Federal-level efforts are also underway to strengthen emergency awareness infrastructure.