The Texas Military Department has deployed unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) to assist in search and rescue efforts following severe flooding in Kerr County and surrounding regions. The floods have caused significant damage and prompted widespread evacuations as emergency teams continue operations across affected areas.
In a statement delivered during a press briefing on Sunday, Major General Thomas Suelzer, who serves as the adjutant general of Texas, detailed the deployment of an MQ-9 Reaper remotely piloted aircraft.
According to Suelzer, the drone launched from Houston, ascended to 18,000 feet over the Gulf of Mexico, and utilized a designated FAA corridor to reach the flood-impacted Kerrville region.
“That aircraft…climbs to 18,000 feet…traverse[s] over to the Kerrville area to conduct a persistent SAR, persistent incident awareness and assessment operations,” Suelzer said. “It’s truly an eye in the sky for our search and rescue people. I’d like to thank the Federal Aviation Administration today.”
Suelzer noted that adverse weather conditions at that altitude initially prevented the MQ-9 from flying its planned route. The FAA subsequently approved a temporary flight restricted (TFR) area at a lower altitude, allowing the drone to safely transit over Texas and begin operations in the Hill Country.
“Due to weather at 18,000 feet, we could not transit…” he said. “The FAA granted a temporary flight restricted area through a lower altitude…”
As of the latest update, the Texas Military Department reported a total of 525 rescues or evacuations, with 366 by air and 159 by ground, supported in part by MQ‑9 operations. The drone’s endurance and advanced sensor suite have been instrumental in enhancing situational awareness for rescue units.
Floods Ravage Central Texas
Central Texas experienced catastrophic flash flooding from July 4-7, when torrential rains brought 5-20 inches in some areas, sending the Guadalupe River rising by approximately 26 feet in under an hour, overwhelming the Hill Country region
As of Monday, the confirmed death toll stands at 91, including at least 28 children, with more than 41 people still missing—particularly from youth summer camps such as Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas, near Kerrville.
Rescue operations have saved over 850 individuals using helicopters, boats, and drones, although ongoing rainfall, debris, and difficult terrain continue to impede progress. Officials are under scrutiny for warning protocols and weather forecasting adequacy, while federal and state aid—including a presidential disaster declaration and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) resources—is being mobilized
