Vigil at UT Tower Honors Flood Victims as Death Toll Rises

In the Austin area, 12 people are still missing and 16 are known to have perished after torrential rains swept away trailers and prefabricated homes along rivers and creeks.

As the search for flood victims continued on Wednesday, the statewide death toll has continued to climb, with 94 deaths occurring in Kerr County alone and at least 109 fatalities in total as of Monday.

Here’s a breakdown of the death toll by county:

Burnet: 5 fatalities, 1 missing

Tom Green: 1 fatality, 0 missing

Travis: 7 fatalities, 10 missing

Kendall: 8 fatalities, 0 missing

Kerr: 94 fatalities, 161 missing

Williamson: 3 fatalities, 1 missing

Vigil at UT Tower honors students and Hill Country flood victims

One incoming University of Texas student died, and another remains missing after the devastating flooding at Camp Mystic last Friday, the Daily Texan reported. Both served as counselors at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp in Hunt, Texas, located along the Guadalupe River. The camp tragically lost 27 campers and counselors after the river rose more than 20 feet in just 90 minutes.

The University of Texas is offering increased mental health services, including support for incoming freshmen, due to the close ties between the Longhorn community and those affected by the catastrophic flooding, UT spokesperson Mike Rosen said.

Dozens of students gathered Tuesday evening at a vigil held in front of the University of Texas Tower, hosted by the University Panhellenic Council and Zeta Tau Alpha sorority's Kappa chapter, to mourn the lives lost.

The University has a 24/7 crisis line at 512-471-2255 for those in need.

“It’s been a tragic week in Texas. We deeply mourn the loss of so many lives from the Hill Country floods and pray for all who are impacted,” UT Interim President Jim Davis said in a Sunday statement. “As Longhorns, we pause to remember those lost, take stock of our many blessings, and continue to do our part to care for those affected.”

Gov. Abbott orders flags to be held at half-mast

Gov. Greg Abbott has ordered flags to be held at half-mast until Monday to honor those who perished in the devastating Texas Hill County floods over the July 4 weekend.

Abbott said on Tuesday afternoon that more than 161 people are confirmed to be missing in Kerr County, the hardest-hit region.