Deadly flash floods ripped through the Texas Hill Country early Friday morning, July 4th or into July 5th, 2025, leaving at least 24 people dead and more than 20 girls from a summer camp still unaccounted for, officials confirmed. The rapid and unprecedented inundation along the Guadalupe River transformed tranquil waterways into raging torrents, impacting communities including Kerrville and Hunt, Texas.
Officials have characterized the event as a “mass casualty event,” underscoring the severe human toll exacted by the sudden natural disaster. Search and rescue operations are intensely underway across the affected region as authorities grapple with the scale of the destruction and the urgent need to locate survivors and recover victims.
The Scale of the Catastrophe
The disaster was triggered by heavy overnight rainfall that saturated the ground and overwhelmed river systems. Some areas in the Texas Hill Country received an astonishing 10 to 12 inches of rain or more in just a few hours, a volume that rapidly exceeded the capacity of local creeks and the Guadalupe River itself. The resulting runoff was immediate and catastrophic.
One report highlighted the terrifying speed of the water’s rise, indicating the Guadalupe River surged an incredible 26 feet in just 45 minutes in some locations. This wall of water caught many residents and visitors completely by surprise, including those at nearby recreational areas and residential properties situated close to the riverbanks.
The confirmed death toll continues to be assessed as search operations progress. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported 24 fatalities within Kerr County. An additional fatality was confirmed in Kendall County, bringing the reported total from the Sheriff’s assessment to 25. However, the initial broader report from officials cited at least 24 people are dead across the affected zone, emphasizing the preliminary nature of the count as search efforts continue in challenging conditions.
Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
The immediate aftermath of the floods saw a massive mobilization of emergency responders. Over 500 responders from various agencies have been deployed to the Texas Hill Country to conduct search and rescue missions. These efforts are being supported by air, with 14 helicopters actively involved in surveying flooded areas, airlifting individuals stranded by rising waters, and assisting ground crews in navigating impassable terrain.
Search teams are facing significant challenges posed by the lingering floodwaters, extensive debris fields, and damaged infrastructure. They are meticulously combing through damaged homes, vehicles swept away by the current, and the extensive river corridor in the hope of finding those still missing. Officials have stressed that search and rescue missions are continuing and remain the absolute priority.
The Impact on Camp Mystic
One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the disaster involves Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp located near the Guadalupe River. At the time of the floods, the camp hosted hundreds of children. The sudden and powerful surge of the river directly impacted the camp facilities.
As of the latest reports, between 23 and 25 people are still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic. While initial reports focused on more than 20 girls being missing, the official number of unaccounted individuals from the camp population stands between 23 and 25. This situation has fueled urgent efforts by rescuers focused on the area around the camp, with distraught families anxiously awaiting news of their children.
The loss of contact with such a significant number of people, primarily young campers, has amplified the sense of tragedy surrounding the event and placed immense pressure on search teams operating in and around the camp’s location near the river.
Official Response and Declarations
Texas state leadership has been actively involved in coordinating the response to the devastating floods. Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lt. Governor Dan Patrick have been engaged with emergency management officials since the scale of the disaster became apparent.
In recognition of the severity of the situation and to mobilize state resources, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for several counties in the affected region. This declaration is a crucial step, unlocking state funding and assets necessary for the extensive search, rescue, and eventual recovery and rebuilding efforts required across the Texas Hill Country.
The state’s response is being coordinated with local authorities in Kerr County, Kendall County, and other impacted areas, aiming to provide a unified front against the widespread damage and human loss caused by the floods.
Infrastructure Damage and Warnings
Beyond the immediate human tragedy, the flash floods have inflicted significant damage on the region’s infrastructure. The sheer force of the water has caused widespread destruction, including washed-away highways, severing crucial transportation links between communities.
Many communities in the Texas Hill Country have also been left without essential services, with reports indicating that areas are without power or internet access. This has complicated communication efforts and further isolated residents in already hard-hit areas.
In light of the dangerous conditions and ongoing search operations, officials have issued strong warnings urging people to avoid the affected areas. The dangers include not only potential for further collapses or hidden hazards but also the need to keep roads clear for emergency vehicles and rescue personnel.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Assessment
The Texas Hill Country now faces a long and challenging road to recovery. While search and rescue remains the immediate priority, the scale of the damage suggests that rebuilding infrastructure and supporting affected communities will be a protracted process.
Assessments of the full economic and environmental impact are just beginning. The unprecedented speed and height of the Guadalupe River’s rise serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable power of nature and the vulnerability of communities situated in flood plains.
The focus in the coming days will remain on locating those still missing, supporting the families affected by the loss of life, and continuing the comprehensive search and rescue efforts across the devastated landscape of the Texas Hill Country.
