The recent floods that ravaged Kerr County and the surrounding Hill Country region of Texas have left a devastating mark on the community.

The latest official count reveals that 75 people have lost their lives, including 27 children.

This tragic number was announced at a news conference early this morning, confirming the scale of the disaster and the profound loss suffered by families across the area.

Katrina Weber is reporting live from Kurville, the heart of the affected region, where search and rescue efforts remain in full force.

The search operations are ongoing and highly active, with emergency personnel and volunteers working around the clock.

Authorities have made it clear that the mission will continue tirelessly until every missing individual is found, whether alive or deceased.

Despite the urgency of these efforts, the extent of the destruction is overwhelming.

Homes have been swept away, roads washed out, and entire neighborhoods submerged under water.

Officials warn that the cleanup and rebuilding process will take months, if not years, to complete.

For now, the priority remains on people—finding survivors, recovering the missing, and supporting the grieving families.

At the news conference, local leaders from Kurville and neighboring Kirk County were joined by U.S.

Senator Ted Cruz, who made his first appearance in the area since the floods began.

Senator Cruz expressed deep sympathy for those who have lost loved ones, acknowledging the heavy toll the disaster has taken on the community.

He also offered words of encouragement, highlighting the resilience and spirit of Texans in times of crisis.

“Tragedies hit this state, natural disasters hit this state, and without fail, 100 out of 100 times when that happens, we see Texans coming together, helping each other, engaging in acts of heroism,” Cruz said.

This message of unity and hope serves as a reminder that even in the darkest times, the community’s strength shines through.

When asked about possible causes or contributing factors to the severity of the flooding, including recent budget cuts to the National Weather Service, Senator Cruz stated that there is currently no evidence linking those cuts to the disaster.

He emphasized that investigations are ongoing and that authorities are committed to uncovering all relevant information to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Meanwhile, officials stressed the critical importance of public safety in the flood zones.

They urged residents and well-meaning volunteers to avoid entering areas where search and rescue operations are underway, warning that uncoordinated attempts could endanger lives and interfere with professional efforts.

To channel volunteer energy effectively, the Salvation Army of Kurville has been designated as the official coordinator for community assistance.

Anyone wishing to help is strongly encouraged to register through this organization to ensure their efforts are safe and productive.

“We ask that any volunteers please contact the Salvation Army of Kurville,” officials reiterated during the briefing.

This coordinated approach aims to maximize support for the affected families while maintaining order and safety in a chaotic environment.

The floods have caused catastrophic damage to infrastructure across Kerr County and neighboring communities.

Roads and bridges have been severely damaged or destroyed, complicating access for emergency responders and delaying relief efforts.

Many residents have been displaced, forced to seek shelter with relatives, friends, or in emergency shelters set up by relief agencies.

The local economy, heavily reliant on small businesses and tourism, faces a long road to recovery as many establishments have suffered irreparable losses.

Emergency teams, including local law enforcement, fire departments, medical personnel, and volunteers, have been working tirelessly to provide aid.

Their efforts extend beyond search and rescue to include distributing food, water, clothing, and medical supplies to those affected.

Community organizations, faith groups, and charities have mobilized resources, creating a network of support that stretches throughout Texas and beyond.

The human stories behind the statistics are heart-wrenching.

Families torn apart, homes destroyed, and futures uncertain.

Among the victims are 27 children, whose loss has deeply shaken the community and underscored the tragedy’s profound impact.

Counselors and mental health professionals have been dispatched to assist survivors and families coping with grief and trauma.

This disaster also highlights the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather events, which experts say may become more frequent due to climate change.

Local officials and emergency planners are already discussing improvements to flood warning systems, infrastructure resilience, and community preparedness to mitigate the effects of future storms.

Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to stay alert to weather advisories and to have emergency plans in place.

Authorities stress that preparedness and timely evacuation can save lives.

As the search continues, hope remains that more survivors will be found.

However, the community must also prepare to face the painful reality of loss and the long journey toward healing and rebuilding.

The story unfolding in Kerr County is a somber reminder of nature’s power and the importance of solidarity in the face of disaster.

The resilience shown by Texans in coming together to support one another offers a beacon of hope amidst the devastation.

Reporting live from Kurville, Katrina Weber, KAT2 News.