KERR COUNTY, Texas — At least 59 people have tragically lost their lives and eleven campers remain unaccounted for following devastating flash floods that swept through the Texas Hill Country. The deluge, centered on Kerr County and the area surrounding the Guadalupe River, has resulted in one of the state’s deadliest natural disasters in recent history.
As of updates provided on July 6, 2025, search and rescue operations continue with increasing urgency to locate the missing individuals, all believed to be campers at Camp Mystic, a well-known site located directly in the path of the floodwaters’ most ferocious surge.
Devastating Impact Unfolds
The sheer scale of the destruction along the Guadalupe River is becoming tragically clear as floodwaters begin to recede in some areas. Emergency responders and recovery teams have been working tirelessly, navigating treacherous conditions and widespread debris fields. The confirmed death toll, currently standing at a grim 59, reflects the overwhelming power and speed with which the flash floods inundated communities, leaving little time for residents and visitors to escape.
Kerr County bore the brunt of the initial surge, with countless homes and structures damaged or destroyed. Roads have been washed out, bridges compromised, and essential infrastructure impacted, complicating both rescue efforts and aid distribution. The rapid rise of the Guadalupe River caught many by surprise, turning normally placid waterways into torrents of destructive force.
Search for the Missing Campers
The fate of the eleven missing campers from Camp Mystic remains a critical focus of the ongoing operation. Families and loved ones are enduring an agonizing wait as specialized search teams, including those utilizing canine units and aerial surveillance, comb the vast and challenging terrain along the riverbanks downstream from the camp.
Authorities have described the search as incredibly difficult due to the extensive area affected by the flood, the heavy silt and debris left behind, and the remote nature of some locations along the Guadalupe River corridor. Every hour is critical in the hope of finding survivors.
Governor Declares Disaster, Vows Resources
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially declared a state of disaster for the affected region, a crucial step that unlocks state resources and support for the response and recovery efforts. During a briefing, Governor Abbott underscored the severity of the situation and pledged maximum state assistance.
“We are deploying every available resource to aid in search and rescue efforts and to support the communities devastated by this flood,” Governor Abbott stated, vowing that state authorities would “stop at nothing” in their efforts to find the missing and assist those impacted by the disaster. The declaration facilitates the deployment of the Texas National Guard, urban search and rescue teams, and other critical personnel and equipment.
Historical Context and Comparisons
The scale and severity of the recent flooding have drawn stark comparisons to the infamous 1987 Guadalupe River flood disaster. That event, also triggered by torrential rainfall, caused widespread destruction and significant loss of life along the same river basin. Experts suggest that the conditions leading up to the current event, including saturated ground from previous rains, contributed to the extreme runoff and rapid water level rises witnessed over the past few days.
Flash floods are a recurring threat in the Texas Hill Country due to its unique topography, characterized by steep canyons and rocky terrain that causes water to run off quickly into riverbeds. However, the volume and intensity of the rainfall in this latest event appear to have exceeded even the most dire predictions for the area.
Ongoing Recovery and Support
Beyond the immediate search for the missing, the affected communities face a long and arduous recovery process. Efforts are underway to assess the full extent of the damage, restore essential services, and provide shelter and support to the hundreds, potentially thousands, of residents displaced by the floodwaters.
The tragic loss of life has sent shockwaves across Texas and the nation. As search efforts continue, the focus remains squarely on finding the eleven missing campers and supporting the families grieving the 59 confirmed deaths, while state and local officials coordinate a comprehensive response to this catastrophic natural event along the Guadalupe River.
