San Antonio floods: at least 11 reported dead, while search continues for the missing

Officials in San Antonio reported on Friday, June 13, 2025, that at least 11 people had died following intense storms and severe flooding that hit the city earlier in the week.

Online reports say that rescue teams were still working to locate missing individuals as floodwaters slowly began to recede.

Joe Arrington, spokesperson for the San Antonio Fire Department, confirmed that crews remained active in the search and rescue operations that continued into Friday.

These efforts were a response to heavy rainfall that began Thursday, triggering widespread flash flooding throughout the area.

Parts of San Antonio received over 7 inches (18 centimeters) of rain in a short period, overwhelming drainage systems and rapidly swelling creeks and rivers.

The deluge led to dangerous conditions on roads and in low-lying neighborhoods.

Authorities discovered more than a dozen wrecked vehicles, some overturned, in a local creek that had overflowed during the storm.

Officials believe these vehicles were caught in fast-moving waters and swept off nearby roads as the flooding intensified. Most of the storm-related deaths were found in or near this area.

Among the 11 confirmed fatalities, three victims were identified as adults between the ages of 28 and 55.

The identities of the remaining victims had not yet been publicly released by Friday afternoon, as authorities continued to notify family members and gather more information.

The search for missing individuals was centered around the same creek where the damaged vehicles were discovered.

Officials stated that the fast rise of water levels during the storm left many drivers and passengers with little time to react.

Emergency services reported conducting more than 70 water rescues across the city as floodwaters quickly trapped people in cars, homes, and businesses.

In many cases, first responders had to use boats or other special equipment to reach those in danger.

San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and acknowledged the trauma many in the community are experiencing.

“Our hearts are with the families of those we’ve lost to this week’s flash floods and the families who continue searching for their loved ones,” Nirenberg said in a public statement.

He added that the city’s emergency crews were working tirelessly and that local support services were being mobilized to assist impacted residents.

The flash flooding was part of a broader weather system that affected large parts of Texas and neighboring states, bringing heavy rainfall, strong winds, and severe thunderstorms.

San Antonio, the seventh-largest city in the United States, was among the hardest hit by the storm’s sudden intensity.

Local officials have since warned residents to remain cautious, even as the worst of the storm appears to have passed.

With floodwaters still receding in some areas, dangerous conditions persist, particularly near rivers, creeks, and other flood-prone zones.

Authorities have urged people to avoid driving through flooded roads and to follow all weather alerts and safety advisories issued by emergency management agencies.

They emphasized the importance of staying informed through local news, weather apps, and official city channels.

City departments are now assessing the damage, and cleanup efforts are beginning in affected neighborhoods.

Dozens of homes and businesses sustained flood damage, and several major roadways remain closed due to debris or structural concerns.

The storm’s impact on transportation and utilities was also significant, with some areas experiencing temporary power outages and disruptions in water services.

Local utilities have been working to restore services as quickly as possible.

In the aftermath, city leaders have pledged to review emergency response procedures and assess the infrastructure’s capacity to handle such extreme weather.

Officials acknowledged that climate-related events are becoming more intense and frequent, raising concerns about preparedness and long-term resilience.

As search and recovery operations continue, the focus reportedly remains on:

• supporting the families affected by the tragedy,
• ensuring public safety, and,
• helping the community begin the process of healing and rebuilding.

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