KERR COUNTY, TX — Catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country has left at least 24 people dead and more than 20 still missing, with Camp Mystic, a girls’ summer camp in Hunt, Texas, at the center of the tragedy.
The Guadalupe River surged more than 22 feet in just 30 minutes early Friday morning after overnight storms dumped 10 inches of rain across the region.
Officials say search and rescue operations will continue through the night and into Saturday, as helicopters, boats, and vehicles comb the devastated area.
Camp Mystic Devastated by Flash Floods
More than 750 campers were staying at Camp Mystic when floodwaters crashed through the site around 4 a.m. Friday.
- 23 to 25 girls remain unaccounted for, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha.
- Helicopters airlifted dozens of campers to safety; others were evacuated by ground vehicles.
- “If your daughter is not accounted for, you have been notified,” Camp Mystic said in a statement to parents.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick emphasized:
“Missing does not mean lost. They could be in trees or unreachable areas.”
Kerrville family missing after house swept away by floodwaters. pic.twitter.com/hADgbAgkAF
— News 4 San Antonio (@News4SA) July 4, 2025
Search and Rescue: Non-Stop Efforts Underway
- 237 people have been rescued as of Friday night, 167 by helicopter, officials said.
- More than 400 first responders are on the ground.
- Highways washed out, and power, water, and internet are still down in much of Kerr County.
“This is a mass casualty event,” said Texas DPS Director Col. Freeman Martin.
Lives and Homes Swept Away
Survivors are recounting the horrors of the flood:
- One man said his brother, sister-in-law, and their two children are missing after their home vanished.
- Another survivor lost everything and was given a pair of shoes by a local Walmart.
“Nobody expected this,” he told WOAI.
Video from Kerrville showed cars submerged and homes torn apart. In Comfort, TX, the Guadalupe River broke its decades-old record, peaking at 30 feet.
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State and Federal Response
- Gov. Greg Abbott called it an “extraordinary catastrophe.”
- President Donald Trump has pledged full federal support, according to Lt. Gov. Patrick.
- The U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA have been activated.
- Sen. Ted Cruz urged prayers for Hill Country, saying Trump committed “ANYTHING Texas needs.”
Flood Threat Isn’t Over Yet
The Guadalupe River has already crested in Kerrville and Comfort, but areas downstream will flood into Saturday morning. A crest of 37.2 feet is expected near Spring Branch by 2 a.m.
Meteorologist Bill Karins explained the storm “just sat” over the hilly terrain, funneling water into smaller streams and eventually into the Guadalupe.
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Community in Mourning and Uncertainty
Five of the confirmed dead were residents of Harris County, where Houston is located. “All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event,” Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo wrote on X.
Meanwhile, families across Texas anxiously await word on the missing children. Camp Mystic, founded nearly 100 years ago, was preparing for a centennial celebration in 2026.
How Can You Help?
Pray for the missing, the first responders, and the grieving families. Donate to local shelters or verified relief funds aiding flood victims. If you have contacts or resources that can help rescue efforts, please step forward.
What are your thoughts on how Texas should handle disaster preparedness and response? Share your comments below.
