Kerrville Disaster Hit with More Rain and Flooding

By Gloria Way

  At least 150 people are still missing 10 days after abysmal flooding devastated central Texas, claiming at least 132 lives.

  Heavy rain is pounding some of the same areas already devastated by the July 4 floods, including Kerr County – where more than 100 people were killed in the flooding. Now, county commissioners are set to have their first official meeting since the disaster.

   Here’s what to know for now:

• Fresh flooding:“A dangerous situation is occurring” in parts of central Texas, including southwest Kerr County, the National Weather Service’s Austin/San Antonio office said Monday morning. “More heavy rain is on the way. Flooding is already happening.”
• An important meeting: The Kerr County commissioners’ court will have its first bimonthly meeting Monday since more than 100 people died in the county and officials came under scrutiny over flood preparations. The commissioners’ court is the main governing body for the county of about 50,000 people.
• Presidential visit:President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump visited Kerrville, Texas, on Friday and met with families affected by the flooding. The president commended first responders and expressed condolences for the lives lost.
• Major disaster declaration: The federal government added additional countiesto Trump’s major disaster declaration in central Texas,  Greg Abbott said. That allows qualifying Texans who sustained damage to apply for grant funding to assist with repair and recovery expenses.
• Support and charity:The governor also announced the launch of the Texas Flooding Emotional Support Line, a new crisis support service for affected residents. And the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said it has received more than $30 million in donations that will be distributed as grants.