BATON ROUGE – As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, officials in Kerr County confirmed the recovery of 75 people, including 48 adults and 27 children, following catastrophic flooding in Central Texas. An additional 15 adults and 9 children remain pending identification. Among the missing are 10 campers and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a popular summer camp struck by the rising waters. That’s only Kerr County’s total count and does not include neighboring counties.
Authorities continue to search for the missing and are working around the clock to reunite families, calling it their top priority as the region braces for more rain.
Torrential rains over the holiday weekend swamped rivers, trapped campers, and left entire neighborhoods underwater. Officials have warned the death toll is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered and rain threatens already saturated areas.
In Kerr County, one of the hardest-hit areas, residents waded through mud and debris to salvage what was left of their homes. Many recounted narrow escapes from walls of rising water late Friday, including children at summer camps who had to be evacuated by boat and helicopter.
As Texas faces this historic crisis, help has arrived from Louisiana.
Rougarou’s Relief Drive: A Team Effort with Heart
On Sunday, the Baton Rouge Rougarou baseball team turned their home game into a humanitarian mission. Their Texas opponents, the Seguin River Monsters, made the harrowing trip through flood-affected areas to play. In response, the Rougarou called on their fans to bring supplies to the ballpark—and Baton Rouge delivered.
“We were thinking maybe 150 people would bring a bottle of water or two,” said Kim Smith, the Rougarou’s Director of Operations. “But it turned into pallets of supplies. Someone even brought an entire pallet of water.”
Donations included water, dog food, hygiene products, and more. The team partnered with Todd Terrell and the Cajun Navy to ensure the supplies reached those in need quickly.
Smith, who lived through Hurricane Katrina with 17 feet of water in her home, was emotional. “We were one of those families walking with boats and cats in tow… this hits home for us.”
Locals looking to help can continue donating supplies:
- Baton Rouge Drop-off:
Tuesday, July 9 during the Rougarou game (4 PM – 9 PM)- Pete Goldsby Field, located at 1502 Foss St, Baton Rouge, LA
- Metairie Drop-off:
Weekdays at Geiling Auto Service, 737 Papworth Ave (8 AM – 4 PM)
Gov. Jeff Landry Sends Swift Water Rescue Teams to Texas
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry deployed 14 Swift Water Rescue personnel over the weekend to assist in the Texas flood response. The team includes first responders from the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Baton Rouge Fire Department, Zachary Fire Department, West Feliciana Fire Department, East Side Fire Department, and Task Force 3 out of Shreveport.
“Louisiana will always answer the call to help our neighbors in need,” said Governor Landry. “Our first responders are among the best in the nation, and these men and women will always step up when disaster strikes. Louisiana stands with Texas, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to assist in their recovery.”
GOHSEP continues to monitor conditions and may deploy additional aid if requested.
Here’s How You Can Help
Community members eager to support flood victims in Texas have several ways to help. Locals can donate essential supplies—such as bottled water, hygiene items, nonperishables, and pet food—at the Baton Rouge Rougarou game on Tuesday, July 9, from 4 PM to 9 PM, or drop them off during business hours at Geiling Auto Service in Metairie (737 Papworth Ave, Monday–Friday, 8 AM–4 PM).
For those unable to give in person, online monetary donations are being accepted by reputable organizations actively involved in the recovery, including the Red Cross, World Central Kitchen, Kerr County Relief Fund, Salvation Army Kroc Center – Kerrville, Austin Pets Alive!, and Kerrville Pets Alive! Every donation, big or small, brings critical aid and hope to families facing unimaginable loss.
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