911 Calls Released from Kerrville Flood Disaster in Texas Hill Country
On July 4, a catastrophic flood surged through the Texas Hill Country, leading to the release of hundreds of distressing 911 calls. These calls reveal the horror of a national holiday turned tragic, a reality expressed by Kerrville Police Chief Chris McCall. He emphasized the impact of these calls, noting that for some, the outcome was fatal.
Kerrville Flood Disaster Overview
The flooding was triggered by slow-moving thunderstorms that caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly. Within just 90 minutes, the river swelled over 20 feet, leading to the deaths of more than 130 people.
Impact on Camp Mystic and Surrounding Areas
- At least 27 campers and camp counselors lost their lives at Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls.
- Kerr County was severely affected, alongside Travis, Burnet, Kendall, Tom Green, and Williamson counties.
- Numerous families were left searching for loved ones, as tragic stories emerged of bodies discovered within vehicles and homes.
911 Call Response
The first emergency calls started coming in at 2:52 a.m. on July 4. The Kerrville Police Department’s 911 center, responsible for all emergency calls in Kerr County, was staffed by only two people at that time.
Over the next six hours, the center handled a staggering 435 calls. Between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m. alone, operators responded to 106 emergency situations. Chief McCall praised the perseverance of the staff, who faced the harrowing task of quickly addressing calls while dealing with overwhelming circumstances.
Community Response and Healing
In the aftermath of the disaster, McCall encouraged the community to support one another emotionally. He highlighted the strength and resilience demonstrated by the Kerrville community during this challenging time.
“Remember, Kerrville: We are stronger together,” he asserted, urging individuals to seek help for themselves and others as they navigate the recovery process.
The full extent of the impact of this tragedy continues to unfold, and updates will follow as the situation develops.
