LIVE BLOG: Flood recovery underway as searches continue July 9

TEXAS (KXAN) — Wednesday marks six days since flash floods in Central Texas that killed more than 100 people.

As survivors begin recovery efforts, state and local emergency responders continue to search for missing people in several counties.

At least 119 deaths have been confirmed in six counties. Gov. Greg Abbott said Tuesday afternoon that 161 people are missing in Kerr County alone. Overall, at least 172 people remain missing.

Here's what we know about some of the victims.

Here are the top headlines:

• Resources for Texans affected by flooding: Find shelter, supplies and assistance
• Today's forecast from the KXAN First Warning Weather team
• Why were flash floods across Central Texas so catastrophic? Read Meteorologist Freddy Vela's weather blog post.
• Our previous live blogs: July 4, July 5, July 6, July 7. July 8
• "Total destruction": 10 still missing in Travis County, Big Sandy Creek area devastated
• "Hunt Strong": Community icon, the Hunt Store, destroyed in Kerr Co. flood
• Austin Fire Chief defends response after accusations of delaying help for Kerr County flooding; Austin Firefighters Association president calls no confidence vote
• Final missing person in Burnet County is Marble Falls Area Volunteer Fire Chief, sheriff says
• How does FEMA work? Owner of emergency response company explains FEMA's process

LATEST UPDATES

1:11 p.m. Local officials in Kerr County continue facing public scrutiny after days of seeming to deflect questions about their preparedness and response to the July 4 flash flood that left dozens dead. The attention comes, as records reviewed by KXAN reveal leaders determined in 2024 that the county “will experience a flood event in the next year.”

On Wednesday, during a morning press conference, they updated the death count to 95 with 161 people still missing. While again avoiding answers about specific actions in the hours between weather warnings and the Guadalupe River rising 30 feet, Sheriff Larry Leitha said there would be an “after-action” review following his “priority” of notifying victims’ families.

“We will answer those questions,” Leitha told reporters. “I wish y’all would bear with me on that, okay? Bear with me. We’ll get them. I can’t tell you when – in a week or two, okay? We’re gonna get them.”

Read the full story here.

11:15 a.m. The Long Center announced it's teaming up with several artists to hold a benefit concert for the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund on Sunday, July 13.

The "For the Heart of Texas" concert will be held inside Dell Hall at the Long Center Saturday. Doors open at 4 p.m. and the show starts at 5. Tickets are "pay what you want," starting at a $10 minimum.

The concert will feature more than 15 artists, including Aaron Behrens, Bob Schneider, Sara Hickman, Chaparelle, and Next of Kin.

The event will also have relief resources, food trucks, and more to gather donations for those impacted by the floods. All proceeds will go directly to the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. 

10:29 a.m. In Burnet County, officials said only one person remains missing, and the death count remained at five. In total, officials said 63 people have been rescued.

"We have moved all of our resources to one area, which is where [Fire Chief Michael Philips] was last seen. We have a larger group of people searching the banks and areas of cow creek working our way to where this creek dumps into lake Travis," Burnet County said.

The five dead were identified as:

• 17-year-old Malaya Hammond
• 22-year-old Preston Prince
• 57-year-old William Venus
• 79-year-old Walter Reed
• One unidentified white male

10:04 a.m. Kerr County officials provided new numbers related to fatalities and those missing after the flash flooding in the area.

As of 8 a.m., officials said there were 95 dead in Kerr County, 59 adults and 36 children. There are still five Camp Mystic campers and one counselor missing. In total, 161 people are still missing in Kerr County.

Use the video player below to listen to the full news conference.

9:32 a.m. A burn ban is in effect for Northwest Travis County, specifically neighborhoods along Big Sandy Creek, Cow Creek, and other low-lying areas near creeks. It will remain in effect until August 5.

Travis County Fire Marshal Gary Howell recommended the burn ban to support ongoing search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of the flooding.

"The large amount of flood debris that accumulated is a public safety hazard that would be exacerbated by outdoor burning, " the county said.

9:00 a.m. Gov. Greg Abbott ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff to honor those who lost their lives due to the devastating floods that impacted Texas over the July 4th holiday weekend.

“In heartfelt remembrance of those whose lives were tragically lost in the recent floods, I ordered Texas flags across the state to be lowered to half-staff,” Abbott said. “Cecilia and I continue to pray for their loved ones as they grieve this unimaginable loss and urge all Texans to continue praying for all impacted by this devastation. Texas stands united in mourning and in our resolve to support those who strive to heal and recover. May God bring comfort to every family affected and strength to the thousands of first responders still working on the ground.”

According to the governor's office, the flags should be returned to full-staff at sunrise July 14.

8:00 a.m. Luna, a 9-year-old girl in Kerrville, decided to make bracelets for first responders and volunteers after seeing others doing the same on social media in the aftermath of the flood.

KXAN asked her if she had a message to share with the folks she’s making the bracelets for.

“Thank you,” she said.

7:18 a.m. The Burnet County Sheriff said the search for missing Marble Falls Area VFD Chief Phillips is ongoing.

7:09 a.m. KXAN photojournalist Todd Bailey and reporter Mercedez Hernandez were in Leander this morning to assess the damage in the area.

6:00 a.m.

5:43 a.m. The Adam R. Scripps Foundation said it would contribute more than $1,000,000 to the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, Texas Search and Rescue, the business community and additional nonprofit organizations.

The foundation said it would also match community donations up to $150K.