GEORGETOWN — The deadly July Fourth floods that swamped the Hill Country and subsequently Central Texas have claimed another victim, with three fatalities now confirmed in Williamson County, officials said.
During a Thursday news conference, Judge Steven Snell also reported one other person remains missing.
No identities were released for the third victim, nor the missing person. Officials earlier named the other dead as Kaitlyn Swallow, 22, and Sherry Merlene Richardson, 64, both from the Liberty Hill area.
During the update, officials said at the height of the flooding, 29 roads within the county were closed. Eight roadways, including two bridges, were severely damaged.
By Thursday, Snell said all but five roads had been cleared for safety and reopened.
Commissioners Court will convene Friday, July 11, to extend the county’s disaster declaration for seven more days, which is being bolstered by a statewide disaster declaration.
The county is waiting on confirmation that it will be added to a federal disaster declaration. During the commissioners’ meeting Friday, more information will also be addressed regarding assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other state and county aid organizations.
Snell urged patience in the clean-up effort, there is lots of “red tape” and “hoops to jump through.”
The county is in the process of setting up a burn site for natural debris, but Snell added the work is time-consuming because much of the material has to be pulled apart.
The efforts of those wishing to volunteer in the aid effort are appreciated, but they shouldn’t just strike out on their own, cautioned Bruce Clements, director of emergency management for Williamson County.
“Please don’t freelance and go out on your own. It can be dangerous out there,” Clements said.
He encouraged people to find an organized effort to join, noting organized groups also have protective gear in addition to offering safety in numbers.
The flooding from massive rainfall started early in Kerrville and Kerr County, where the majority of deaths and missing persons have been reported.
Authorities say 120 people have died in the wake of the deluge and an estimated 160 to 170 remain missing.
President Donald Trump during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday announced he and First Lady Melania Trump will fly to Texas Friday to visit areas hardest hit by the disaster.
