Central Texas is grappling with the devastating aftermath of flash floods that have claimed at least 78 lives as of Sunday, July 6, 2025, prompting intensified search and rescue operations across the affected region.
The scale of the tragedy became starkly apparent as authorities continued to recover victims from the sudden, powerful deluge that swept through communities beginning Friday, July 4th.
Impact on Kerr County
Kerr County, situated in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, bore the brunt of the catastrophic flooding. Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 deaths have been reported in the county alone. Tragically, this toll includes 28 children, highlighting the devastating impact on families and the community’s youngest residents.
The sheer force of the floodwaters in Kerr County led to widespread destruction, with homes and infrastructure severely damaged or completely washed away.
Wider Toll Across Texas
Beyond Kerr County, at least 10 additional deaths have been confirmed across other counties in Texas affected by the extreme weather event. The statewide confirmed death toll now stands at a minimum of 78 people.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott provided an update on the broader impact, stating that as of Sunday, July 6, 2025, 41 individuals were confirmed to be unaccounted for across the state. Search teams, comprising local first responders, state agencies, and volunteers, are working tirelessly under challenging conditions to locate those still missing.
Tragedy Strikes Camp Mystic
Among the most harrowing situations is the incident at Camp Mystic, a Christian youth camp nestled in the Texas Hill Country. The camp was directly in the path of the surging floodwaters and was completely overwhelmed. Structures were destroyed, and the adjacent highway was washed away, isolating the site and complicating rescue efforts.
As of Sunday, July 6, 2025, 10 girls attending the camp and one camp counselor remain unaccounted for from Camp Mystic. Their disappearance accounts for a significant portion of the statewide missing persons count, fueling urgent and focused search efforts in and around the camp’s devastated grounds.
The Force of the Floodwaters
The extreme weather system that triggered the disaster began before daybreak on Friday, July 4th. The speed and intensity of the rising water levels were unprecedented in many areas. The Guadalupe River, a major waterway in the region, experienced a catastrophic surge, rising an astonishing 26 feet (8 meters) in a mere 45 minutes. This rapid and dramatic increase turned the river into a destructive torrent that swept away everything in its path, including residential properties and vehicles.
The suddenness of the floodwaters left residents with little time to react or evacuate, contributing significantly to the high casualty count.
Intensified Search and Recovery Efforts
Search efforts have been significantly intensified across the affected areas, particularly in Kerr County and around the Camp Mystic site. Rescue teams are navigating hazardous debris fields, unstable ground, and still-swollen waterways in their desperate search for survivors and to recover victims.
The search involves ground crews, K9 units, aerial surveillance, and boats, focusing on riverbanks, flooded structures, and areas downstream where debris and potential victims may have been carried. The challenging terrain of the Texas Hill Country, combined with the extensive damage, poses significant obstacles to search teams.
Authorities and emergency services are coordinating a large-scale response, emphasizing the methodical clearing of affected areas and following up on all reports of missing persons.
Government Response
In response to the unfolding disaster, President Donald Trump on Sunday, July 6, 2025, issued a major disaster declaration for Kerr County. This declaration unlocks federal aid and resources to support local and state recovery efforts, including funding for temporary housing, home repairs, and other critical assistance for affected individuals and communities. The declaration underscores the severity of the situation and the need for a coordinated, multi-level government response.
Community Impact and Outlook
The flash floods have inflicted deep wounds on the affected communities. Beyond the tragic loss of life, hundreds of homes have been damaged or destroyed, displacing residents and disrupting lives. Infrastructure, including roads and bridges, has been severely compromised, hindering access and recovery operations.
The focus remains squarely on the ongoing search and rescue mission, with the hope of finding those still missing, particularly the children and counselor from Camp Mystic. As the immediate crisis response continues, attention will gradually shift towards long-term recovery and rebuilding efforts for the devastated regions of Central Texas.
