Severe flash floods have devastated Central Texas, killing at least 24 people and leaving up to 25 children missing from summer camp, officials said on July 4, 2025.
The flooding struck the Texas Hill Country, especially Kerr County after intense overnight storms caused the Guadalupe River to rise rapidly by about 26 feet in just 45 minutes.
The flooding caught many residents off guard. Kerrville City Manager Dalton Rice said the floods happened very quickly with little warning, making evacuation difficult. Rainfall totals reached 10 to 13 inches in some areas, overwhelming the river and nearby communities.
Among the missing are 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp near the Guadalupe River. Rescue teams, including helicopters and ground squads. are searching for the campers and others unaccounted for. Officials stressed that some missing may be out of reach rather than lost.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed 24 deaths in the area, with one additional fatality in nearby Kendall County. Children are among the victims. Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster for multiple counties affected by the floods and pledged full state support for rescue and recovery efforts.
Emergency responders have evacuated 237 people, including 167 by helicopter. The U.S. Coast Guard also assisted in evacuation efforts. Authorities warned residents to heed flood alerts and avoid driving through flooded roads.
The flooding struck early on the Fourth of July, a day marked by celebrations. Instead, families in Texas are mourning or anxiously awaiting news of missing loved ones. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick called the event an “extraordinary catastrophe” and asked for prayers for the affected communities.
The National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings and emergencies for Kerr County and surrounding areas. However, the severity and speed of the flooding exceeded forecasts. Officials described the event as catastrophic and unprecedented in recent memory.
The heavy rain and flash floods destroyed homes, vehicles and infrastructure along the Guadalupe River. Debris and damaged vehicles were seen roped off near the riverbanks. Rescue operations continue around the clock, with about 500 personnel involved, including 14 helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.
Governor Abbott emphasized that all available resources from across Texas are being deployed to support the hardest-hit areas. The disaster declaration covers Kerr, Kendall, Blanco, McCulloch, Reeves, San Saba, and Tom Green counties, among others.
This tragic flooding is one of the deadliest in Texas history. Officials continue to search for missing campers and residents, hoping to bring them to safety. The community is urged to stay alert to local warnings and avoid floodwaters.
However, the Texas Hill Country faces a severe crisis after flash floods swept through on July 4, killing at least 24 people and leaving many missing, including children from a summer camp. Rescue efforts are ongoing amid widespread destruction and grief.
