CENTRAL TEXAS – The grim tally of lives lost in devastating flash floods that swept through central Texas neared 80 on Sunday, July 6, 2025, as rescue teams pressed on with challenging search operations across ravaged communities. Authorities confirmed the death toll had risen to at least 79, with grave concerns remaining for 11 campers still unaccounted for since the torrents struck.
The vast majority of fatalities, 59, were concentrated in Kerr County, situated within the state’s picturesque but flood-prone Hill Country. Tragically, the deceased in Kerr County include 21 children, underscoring the sudden and brutal nature of the disaster. Additional deaths were reported in Travis, Burnet, and Kendall counties as the floodwaters spread their destruction.
The Onslaught of Water
The catastrophic flooding was triggered by intense rainfall beginning on Friday, July 4, 2025. The sheer speed and volume of water were unprecedented in many areas. The Guadalupe River, a central waterway in the region, experienced an astonishing rise of 26 feet in just 45 minutes, leaving residents and visitors little time to escape.
The ferocity of the waters transformed familiar landscapes into treacherous currents, ripping structures from their foundations and carrying vehicles and debris downstream.
Extensive Rescue Operations
In the critical initial 36 hours following the onset of flooding, rescue crews mounted a massive response. Utilizing a combination of helicopters, boats, and drones, they managed to pull over 850 people from the perilous floodwaters or stranded locations. These dramatic rescues often unfolded under difficult conditions, with rescuers battling strong currents and widespread inundation.
Despite these heroic efforts, the scale of the disaster means the focus has now shifted from immediate rescue to a painstaking search and recovery operation.
The Search for the Missing
A significant point of concern remains the fate of the 11 campers who have not been located. Search teams, comprising local law enforcement, state agencies, and volunteers, are specifically targeting areas where these individuals were believed to be when the floods hit.
One location particularly impacted is Camp Mystic, a summer camp in the region. Officials have confirmed that 10 girls and a camp counselor who were at Camp Mystic are among the 11 missing persons.
The search is being conducted in extraordinarily difficult terrain, littered with debris from the flood’s passage. Broken trees, overturned cars, and remnants of destroyed buildings complicate access and visibility, making the task of locating victims or missing individuals arduous and slow.
Questions of Warning and Preparedness
The region affected is tragically known as “flash flood alley” due to its history of sudden and severe flooding events. In the wake of this disaster, questions are beginning to surface regarding the adequacy of warning systems and preparedness measures in place for communities within this vulnerable corridor.
While authorities initiated warnings as conditions deteriorated, the speed at which the Guadalupe River rose highlights the challenges inherent in alerting and evacuating people in such rapidly developing situations. Investigations into the timeline and nature of the warnings are anticipated as the recovery process continues.
Looking Ahead
As of Sunday, July 6, 2025, the focus remains on the painstaking search for the missing and supporting the communities reeling from the scale of the loss. The sheer number of fatalities, including so many children, has cast a pall over central Texas. The long road to recovery and rebuilding is just beginning, while the search for the 11 missing campers serves as a somber reminder of the lives still hanging in the balance.
