The number of people missing after catastrophic floods swept through Texas has surged past 160, Governor Greg Abbott announced Tuesday, in what has become one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history. At least 109 people have been confirmed dead, and rescue crews fear the toll may rise as hopes of finding survivors dwindle.

In Kerr County alone part of a region often referred to as "Flash Flood Alley" authorities are searching for 161 individuals still unaccounted for. The figure is based on missing person reports from relatives, friends, and neighbors, the governor said.

“There could very well be more names added,” Abbott warned, as the multi-agency rescue operation continues.

Kerr County has seen the brunt of the devastation, with at least 94 deaths reported. Among the victims were 27 children and counselors staying at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River when it suddenly overflowed in the early hours of July 4. Powerful currents swept through the camp, destroying cabins as most occupants were still asleep. As of Tuesday evening, five campers, a counselor, and an unrelated child remain missing.

“The community’s loss is heartbreaking, and our priority remains finding the missing,” said Abbott.

Elsewhere in Texas, at least 15 more deaths have been confirmed. Emergency crews, including the Texas Game Wardens, are using helicopters, drones, and sniffer dogs to navigate the flood-ravaged landscape but the conditions remain hazardous.

“Deep mud, debris piles, and standing water make it extremely dangerous,” said Ben Baker of the Game Wardens. “It’s slow, dirty, and dangerous work.”

Meanwhile, flash flood warnings have extended beyond Texas. On Tuesday, the U.S. National Weather Service declared a flood emergency in Ruidoso, New Mexico, nearly 300 kilometers south of Albuquerque. Reports indicated multiple homes had been damaged, and some residents were trapped after the Rio Ruidoso surged over six meters.

In the Texas town of Hunt, believed to be near the epicenter of the flooding, AFP journalists witnessed helicopters circling overhead as search teams combed through debris.

Among the volunteers was 24-year-old Javier Torres, who had already found the body of his grandfather and was now searching for his grandmother. He also discovered the remains of two young children swept away by the river.

With more rain forecast, concerns are mounting about how continued downpours might impact recovery operations. Still, Baker emphasized that the work would press on. “Bad weather won’t stop us.”

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit affected areas on Friday alongside First Lady Melania Trump. He praised the rescue efforts, saying, “We brought in a lot of helicopters from across the country. They did an amazing job saving lives.”

However, the disaster has sparked criticism over the federal government's preparedness. Some questioned whether recent budget cuts weakened flood alert systems and emergency response capacity.

When pressed about the response timeline during a tense press briefing, Baker deflected. “Right now, our focus is on finding the missing and supporting the families.”

Climate experts, meanwhile, pointed to environmental and structural factors that may have worsened the flooding.

Shel Winkley of Climate Central noted that the region’s recent drought may have contributed by reducing the soil’s ability to absorb rainfall. “This part of Texas has been facing extreme drought, and temperatures since May have been unusually high,” Winkley explained.

Tom Di Liberto, Climate Central’s media director, added that staffing shortages at the National Weather Service likely impaired forecasting and communication during the crisis. “That kind of institutional knowledge can’t just be replaced,” he said.