Live Updates: Over 100 Dead as Search Efforts Intensify After Catastrophic Texas Floods
July 11, 2025 – Texas, USA
The death toll in the devastating Texas floods has surged past 100 as of this morning, and the number is expected to climb as rescue and recovery teams continue their desperate search for the missing. The catastrophic deluge—triggered by relentless rainfall over the last five days—has left swaths of the state underwater, displacing thousands and decimating entire communities.
Emergency officials are calling this one of the deadliest natural disasters in Texas history.
The Scope of the Disaster
Torrential rain began late Sunday and continued into Thursday, dumping over 20 inches of rain in some areas, particularly in Central and Southeast Texas. Rivers swelled beyond their banks, dams overflowed, and low-lying neighborhoods were submerged within hours.
Entire towns like Bastrop, Wimberley, Liberty, and Port Arthur have been almost completely cut off. Helicopters continue to airlift stranded residents from rooftops, while boats maneuver through what were once suburban streets.
The Guadalupe and Trinity Rivers reached historic crests, triggering flash floods in communities ill-equipped to handle such levels of water.
Rising Death Toll
As of 7:00 AM this morning, confirmed fatalities stand at 104, with another 162 still unaccounted for. Local sheriffs say many of the dead were found in their homes, trapped as water rushed in with little warning. Others were swept away while trying to flee.
Among the victims are 13 children, several elderly residents, and two first responders whose rescue boat capsized late Wednesday night.
Grieving families have begun to gather at makeshift morgues and emergency shelters across the state, hoping for news—good or bad—about their loved ones.
Voices from the Ground
“I watched the water go from my front yard to the windows in ten minutes,” said Rhonda Martinez, a mother of three from Liberty. “We grabbed what we could and climbed to the attic. We stayed there for 14 hours before help arrived.”
In another neighborhood in East Austin, pastor Jeremiah Cole opened his small church as a shelter. “We have 40 people sleeping on pews and floors. Many of them have lost everything. But they’re alive. That’s what matters now.”
Rescue and Relief Efforts Intensify
Thousands of National Guard troops have been deployed throughout Texas. Emergency response teams from neighboring states have also arrived to assist. FEMA has set up mobile command centers in Houston, San Antonio, and Beaumont, coordinating mass rescue operations, setting up temporary shelters, and distributing supplies.
More than 4,700 rescues have already been carried out, officials say, but dangerous conditions continue to slow efforts. In many areas, downed power lines, washed-out roads, and contaminated water are posing life-threatening hazards to both civilians and rescuers.
“Every minute counts,” said FEMA coordinator Lisa Rowell. “We’re focusing on saving lives first. The full scale of damage will be assessed later.”
Stories of Heroism and Heartbreak
There are stories of remarkable heroism. A retired Marine in College Station swam through floodwaters to rescue five neighbors, including a newborn. In another incident, a teenage boy tied himself to a tree and pulled three younger children to safety using an old garden hose.
But there is also heartbreak.
In a particularly tragic moment, a woman live-streamed her final moments from inside her submerged car in Conroe. “I love you, Mama,” she said through tears before the feed went dark. Her body was found hours later by rescue divers.
State and Federal Response
Texas Governor Matt Reynolds has declared a statewide emergency, unlocking disaster relief funds and calling on residents to evacuate flood zones. “This is not over,” he warned. “More rain is expected, and conditions are still dangerous.”
President Joe Biden has pledged federal support and will be visiting Texas tomorrow to assess the damage. In a statement, he called the floods a “national tragedy” and praised the courage of first responders.
Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s SpaceX facility in Boca Chica has been converted into a relief hub, delivering satellite internet and water-purifying systems to rural communities cut off from services.
Infrastructure Collapses and Economic Fallout
Infrastructure damage is staggering. Dozens of bridges have collapsed, highways are underwater, and nearly 3 million residents are without power. Water contamination is also a growing concern, with at least 11 water treatment plants offline.
The economic toll is estimated to surpass $15 billion, according to early reports, with oil refineries in Port Arthur and Galveston shut down, affecting national gas prices.
Agricultural losses are also mounting, with hundreds of thousands of acres of farmland destroyed. Ranchers are reporting mass livestock drownings in counties like Brazoria and Wharton.
Weather Outlook and Warnings
While the heaviest rain has begun to move eastward, meteorologists warn that saturated ground and overflowing rivers will continue to pose serious flood threats through the weekend. More thunderstorms are forecasted for Eastern Texas, Louisiana, and parts of Arkansas.
The National Weather Service has issued flash flood watches and evacuation alerts in over 25 counties.
How to Help
Organizations like the Red Cross, Texas Strong Relief Fund, and Feeding America are mobilizing resources to provide food, clothing, and shelter. Donations are being accepted online, and volunteers are being urged to sign up through official channels to avoid chaos on the ground.
Local shelters say they are especially in need of diapers, blankets, hygiene products, and clean water.
A State in Mourning, A People Still Fighting
Texas is no stranger to floods, but this one has left scars that will take years to heal. For now, the focus remains on saving lives, comforting the grieving, and rebuilding what’s been lost.
