Over 100 people have died as a result of July 4th flood in Hill Country, Central Texas. As the days go on, the likelihood of finding more survivors grows dimmer. Yet, a host of local heroes and resources are pouring into the community as it mourns. Credit: NBC News

Overview:

The Kerrville floods in Hill Country, Texas, have resulted in over 100 deaths and dozens of missing people, with entire families displaced. Local residents, organizations, and international responders are stepping in to provide relief, with donations of essential items, financial contributions, and volunteer efforts being collected. While the government has activated the Texas National Guard and state troopers, critics are questioning why weather alerts were not issued and infrastructure was not maintained. The floods have highlighted the intersection of environmental crisis, political negligence, and community resilience, and the need for solidarity in the face of tragedy.

HILL COUNTRY, TEXAS — What began as a quiet Independence Day weekend turned tragic for residents of Kerrville and surrounding Hill Country communities. In the early morning hours of July 4th, a powerful surge of floodwater from the Guadalupe River swallowed homes, roads, and lives with terrifying speed. Within just 45 minutes, the water level rose 26 feet—enough to submerge a six-foot tall adult in a bit more than ten minutes.

More than 100 people are confirmed dead and dozens more are still missing, according to CBS News. Entire families have been displaced, and many communities—especially those in Hunt, Ingram, Center Point, and Comfort—are grappling with not only loss but the daunting task of rebuilding. In the face of this disaster, everyday people, local organizations, and even international responders have stepped in to provide relief.

A Community in Action

In Dallas, residents are answering the call. The Village Dallas is collecting essential items now through Wednesday, July 9th at 8 PM at the Village Country Club. Requested donations include:

  • New or gently used adult and children’s clothing
  • Diapers (all sizes)
  • Toiletries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Toilet paper

All donated goods will be delivered to a trusted local center to support families directly impacted by the flood.

Meanwhile, financial contributions can be made through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. Managed by the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, the fund supports first responders, local governments, and nonprofits leading relief and recovery.

Where Else to Donate

  • Hunt Volunteer Fire Department is on the front lines, aiding their neighbors and saving lives. Donations directly help with their equipment and relief efforts.
  • TEGNA’s Texas Flood Relief Fund, a partnership with WFAA’s parent company, is collecting tax-deductible donations for trusted, local nonprofit groups.
  • Highland Park Presbyterian Church and Highland Park United Methodist have deployed disaster response teams and are accepting donations to continue rescue operations.
  • Texas Search and Rescue (TEXSAR), a nonprofit specializing in search, rescue, and recovery, is actively involved in efforts across Kerr County.
  • Airbnb and All Hands and Hearts are working with officials to provide emergency housing. Airbnb hosts can opt in to offer free or discounted stays.

Animal Rescue Efforts

Floods don’t discriminate, and neither does compassion. Animal welfare organizations including @austinpetsalive, @kerr_pets, and @spcatexas are helping rescue and shelter displaced pets. Visit their Instagram profiles for donation and volunteer information.

International Aid Steps In

In a striking show of solidarity, Mexican firefighters from Acuña crossed the U.S. border to assist in flood recovery. “There’s nothing that’ll avoid us from helping another firefighter, another family,” said Ismael Aldaba, founder of Fundación 911, to CNN. “That’s the whole point of our discipline and what we do.”

Their mission has captured national attention, especially as America faces criticism for weakened federal disaster response. Two Mexican teens, Silvana Garza Valdez and Maria Paula Zarate, both just 19, are being hailed as heroes after rescuing more than a dozen young girls from fast-rising waters, as reported by @chicanismotoday on Instagram.

A Question of Preparedness

While local response has been swift and generous, many are left questioning how this disaster became so deadly. Critics point to failing infrastructure, climate denial policies, and cuts to critical services like the National Weather Service and FEMA under previous federal administrations. Several residents claimed no weather alerts were issued as the river surged, leaving them completely unaware of the incoming danger.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster across several counties and activated the Texas National Guard and state troopers. Texas is committing all the necessary resources, Abbott said in a Friday news conference.

But for many, it’s not enough. The Kerrville floods shine a harsh light on the intersection of environmental crisis, political negligence, and community resilience. They raise a sobering question: If we can no longer rely on our government to warn us, protect us, or save us—who will?

How You Can Help

Whether it’s through donations, spreading awareness, or simply showing up with compassion, there’s a role for everyone in the recovery. This moment calls for solidarity, not silence.

Visit the following to contribute:

To donate physical goods, drop off at:
The Village Country Club, Dallas, TX
Now through Wednesday, July 9, 8 PM

In the face of tragedy, Hill Country is not alone. Texas is grieving—but it is also giving. Let’s keep showing up for one another.