Kerrville, Texas – At least 24 people are confirmed dead following catastrophic flash flooding that devastated the Texas Hill Country, particularly Kerr County, in the early hours of Friday, July 4, 2025. The rapid inundation, fueled by unprecedented rainfall, has triggered desperate search and rescue operations as officials race to locate missing individuals in the hard-hit region.
The Unfolding Tragedy
The scale of the disaster became apparent as daylight broke on Friday, revealing a landscape transformed by raging floodwaters. The official death toll climbed steadily throughout the day, with Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick confirming the loss of at least 24 lives. The fatalities are concentrated primarily in Kerr County, where the flash flood caught residents by surprise.
The event unfolded early Friday morning, July 4, 2025, as many in the United States prepared for Independence Day observances. Instead, communities along the Guadalupe River were engulfed by a sudden, violent surge of water that left little time for escape.
Extreme Rainfall and River Surge
Authorities and meteorological experts point to extraordinary rainfall as the catalyst for the catastrophe. The region had experienced months’ worth of heavy rain leading up to the event, but the final deluge proved overwhelming. Over 10 inches of rain fell overnight in central Kerr County alone, overwhelming drainage systems and saturating the ground.
The Guadalupe River, typically a tranquil waterway, experienced an unprecedented and rapid rise. Reports indicate the river’s level surged from approximately 3 feet to cresting at 39 feet or more in a matter of hours. This monumental increase sent a destructive torrent through areas adjacent to the riverbanks, washing away homes, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly signed a declaration of disaster, citing the monumental damages incurred. Judge Kelly noted that both public infrastructure, including roads and bridges, and private properties, such as homes and businesses, have sustained extensive and potentially irreparable harm.
The Search for the Missing Intensifies
A frantic search effort is currently underway across the affected areas, with particular focus along the Guadalupe River. Among the dozens of individuals reported missing are more than 20 girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp located directly along the river. The fate of the campers and camp staff remains a primary concern for rescuers.
Search and rescue missions are operating around the clock, spearheaded by multiple agencies. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a disaster declaration for several counties across the Hill Country, mobilizing state resources to assist local efforts. Governor Abbott stated that search and rescue teams, including members of the Texas National Guard and state troopers, would continue their operations continuously until all missing persons are accounted for or the affected areas thoroughly scoured.
Hundreds of individuals have already been rescued from the floodwaters and their aftermath in Kerr County. Officials confirmed that at least 167 rescues were conducted by helicopter, highlighting the challenges posed by inaccessible roads and the widespread nature of the flooding.
Official Response and Federal Support
The severity of the situation has drawn attention from the highest levels of government. U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the floods, describing them as “terrible” and pledging that the federal government would provide necessary support to Texas as it grapples with the disaster.
State and local officials are coordinating response efforts, establishing shelters for displaced residents and assessing the full scope of the damage. The disaster declaration by Governor Abbott is expected to expedite the release of state resources and pave the way for potential federal assistance under the presidential declaration.
Rescue crews face challenging conditions, including treacherous currents and unstable ground, as they continue their painstaking work. The focus remains on locating survivors and recovering those lost, while simultaneously beginning the long process of damage assessment and recovery for the devastated communities in the Texas Hill Country.
The coming days are expected to bring a clearer picture of the total human and economic cost of this catastrophic flooding event.