TEXAS — As rescue and recovery efforts continue in the wake of one of the deadliest and most destructive flood disasters in Texas history, officials have now confirmed a devastating figure: 165 people remain unaccounted for across multiple counties.
Despite tireless work by search teams, divers, helicopters, and K9 units over the past 10 days, hopes for finding more survivors are fading. And according to rescue coordinators, there are 3 deeply troubling reasons why so many may never be located — starting with a reality that haunts even the most experienced responders.
Reason 1: Entire Structures Were Washed Away — With People Still Inside
In several flood-affected areas, homes, cabins, and vehicles were swept off foundations or into rivers within seconds, leaving no trace. In some cases, rescue teams have found only fragments of flooring, beds, or clothing kilometers away from where the buildings once stood.
“We have reports of entire mobile homes being carried downstream with families inside,” said one emergency official.
“When structures disintegrate in water that violent, there’s often nothing left to search.”
Many of the missing are believed to have been caught in this way — with no chance to escape, and no way to trace their path.
Reason 2: Terrain Obstructions and Debris Are Blocking Access
Even with high-tech equipment and trained dogs, rescue teams are struggling to navigate the devastated terrain. Fallen trees, overturned vehicles, submerged fences, and mudslides have created dangerous barriers, especially in rural and forested areas like near Camp Mystic and along the Guadalupe River.
“There are parts of the river where our divers can’t safely enter,” one team leader explained.
“We know people are there. We just can’t reach them yet.”
Several locations remain completely inaccessible due to unstable soil and potential collapse risks, meaning search efforts may be delayed by weeks — or more.
Reason 3: Families Have Yet to Report Some Missing
Perhaps the most tragic reality is that some of the missing haven’t officially been reported yet. Authorities say that with widespread power outages, damaged communication lines, and displacement, entire households may still be unaware that their loved ones are gone.
“Some families evacuated separately,” said a Red Cross coordinator.
“They haven’t reunited — and may not even realize someone didn’t make it out.”
Additionally, some undocumented residents or visitors may not appear on formal registries, further complicating identification and reporting.
A Call for Patience and Support
Officials continue to urge the public to remain patient, as every clue — from footprints to personal items — is being carefully reviewed. They are also encouraging anyone who hasn’t made contact with a loved one since the floods to file a missing persons report immediately.
“We haven’t given up,” said Texas Emergency Services.
“But we need people to understand the scale of this tragedy — and the obstacles we face.”
A State in Mourning
With dozens confirmed dead and 165 still missing, this flood has become a humanitarian crisis of historic proportions. Communities across Texas are holding vigils, raising funds, and opening shelters to help grieving families and displaced residents.
And for many — even in the absence of certainty — the waiting is the hardest part.
“I still believe someone will call me,” said a woman waiting outside a rescue center.
“Until then, I can’t say goodbye.”