A catastrophic flash flood event devastated parts of the Texas Hill Country overnight, leading to urgent evacuations and extensive search efforts. One of the most concerning situations unfolded at Camp Mystic, a large girls’ summer camp situated along the Guadalupe river in Kerr county. Following a harrowing overnight evacuation, state officials confirmed that dozens of campers were initially unaccounted for, sparking a massive multi-agency response.
This severe weather crisis struck after torrential rains pummeled the region, dropping significant amounts of water in just hours. Some areas saw rainfall totals exceeding 10 to 14 inches. The rapid deluge overwhelmed waterways, causing the Guadalupe River to swell to historic and dangerous levels with unprecedented speed.
Catastrophic Flooding Impacts Central Texas
The scale of the flooding across Kerr County proved immense and tragic. Authorities reported multiple fatalities resulting from the floodwaters. As of Friday afternoon, at least 13 deaths had been confirmed within Kerr County alone, with officials cautioning that this number could rise as search efforts continued across the devastated landscape. Numerous individuals countywide were also reported missing, compounding the crisis facing local emergency responders.
The Kerr County Sheriff’s Office described the situation as an “extremely active scene” throughout the county, with crews conducting numerous high-water rescues under perilous conditions. Sheriff Larry L. Leitha indicated that the search for missing persons across the county would likely take several days due to the widespread impact and treacherous environment left by the flood.
Camp Mystic Evacuation Under Dire Conditions
Camp Mystic, located west of Kerrville near Hunt, became a central focus of the crisis. The girls-only camp, which hosts around 750 campers, had to be evacuated overnight as floodwaters rapidly inundated the area. Harrowing accounts and images show campers wading through ankle-deep water in the darkness during the hurried departure.
The flood hit swiftly and violently, catching many off guard. According to Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly, who described the flood as “historic” and “catastrophic,” the county lacked a warning system that could alert residents and camps before the National Weather Service issued a Flash Flood Emergency. This meant that while wireless alerts were triggered around 4 a.m. with the emergency declaration, the most dangerous surge was already underway or imminent, leaving little time for preparation for many.
The Desperate Search for Unaccounted Campers
In the immediate aftermath of the Camp Mystic evacuation, a critical number of campers could not be accounted for. State officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, serving as acting governor, confirmed that 23 girls out of the camp’s approximately 750 campers were initially reported as unaccounted for. Search efforts were immediately focused on the area surrounding the camp.
Communication proved challenging during the crisis, largely due to power outages and loss of Wi-Fi at the camp. The camp staff attempted to keep parents informed via email. An email sent to parents explained that they were only being contacted if their daughter had not yet been accounted for. The message stated, “If your daughter is not accounted for you have been notified. If you have not been personally contacted, then your daughter is accounted for.” It also specified that campers in certain areas of the camp, Cypress Lake and Senior Hill, had been successfully accounted for. The uncertainty and communication difficulties caused immense anxiety for families awaiting news of their children. Reports surfaced of specific campers, such as Eloise Peck and Lila Bonner, who remained unaccounted for Friday evening according to a parent.
Intense Search and Rescue Operation Underway
A massive search and rescue operation was quickly mobilized involving state, local, and federal resources. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stated that up to 500 rescue workers were initially deployed, with resources including 18 helicopters dedicated to scouring the area. Texas quickly escalated its response, ultimately deploying significant assets including 40 helicopters, 12 drones, and nine specialized dive and rescue teams.
The Texas National Guard was activated and immediately began conducting aerial searches over the affected region. The US Coast Guard and the Federal Emergency Agency (FEMA) also joined the extensive operation, providing critical support and personnel. Officials emphasized their commitment to finding everyone impacted by the flood, with Lt. Gov. Patrick vowing that they would do “everything humanly possible” to locate the missing girls and other individuals. The sheer scale of the rescue effort underscores the severity of the flood and the number of people affected.
Historic River Levels Fuel Devastation
The primary force behind this devastation was the Guadalupe River’s sudden and dramatic rise. Near Hunt, where Camp Mystic is located, the river experienced an unprecedented surge, rising approximately 22 feet in just three hours overnight. This rapid increase caused the local river gauge to become submerged and fail at around 29.5 feet, hindering monitoring efforts.
The dangerous flood wave continued downstream, impacting communities further along the river. Near Comfort, the Guadalupe River rose an astonishing 26 feet in only 45 minutes, entering a major flood stage. The National Weather Service (NWS) monitored the wave as it moved downstream, predicting potentially high crests in areas like Spring Branch. Experts and officials alike characterized this event as potentially a “once-in-a-lifetime flood” for Kerr County. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that this flood “far surpasses” the deadly 1987 event that claimed 10 teenage lives, starkly calling the Guadalupe River valley the “most dangerous river valley in the United States” during such events.
Regional Impact and Ongoing Threat
The flooding crisis extended beyond Camp Mystic, though the camp represented the largest concentration of initially unaccounted persons. Other summer camps in the vicinity were also impacted. While Camp La Junta, an all-boys camp on the same lake, confirmed all their campers were safe and accounted for, the widespread nature of the flood meant potential risks across the region.
Beyond the camps, infrastructure suffered significant damage. Reports indicated that highways in the affected area were washed away, severely impeding access for ground rescue crews and complicating logistics. The ongoing threat of further rainfall over the next 24 to 48 hours across West and Central Texas, potentially extending from San Antonio to Waco, maintained the risk of continued or renewed flooding.
In response to the persistent danger, authorities issued urgent public safety advisories. Residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River were strongly urged to move to higher ground immediately. Officials advised people to avoid traveling in the flood-affected areas, particularly west of Ingram near the river, and to shelter in place. The NWS reinforced the critical message: “Turn around, don’t drown,” highlighting that most flood fatalities occur when people attempt to navigate floodwaters in vehicles. The White House was notified of the catastrophic events, and President Trump was aware, with federal assistance being coordinated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many girls were initially missing from Camp Mystic after the flood?
Following the overnight evacuation of Camp Mystic due to catastrophic flooding along the Guadalupe River, state officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, initially reported that 23 girls out of the camp’s total of approximately 750 campers were unaccounted for. A large-scale search and rescue operation involving hundreds of personnel and numerous aircraft was immediately focused on locating these missing campers.
Where was Camp Mystic located relative to the flooding?
Camp Mystic, a summer camp for girls, is located along the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, Texas, near the town of Hunt. This area was directly impacted by severe flash flooding triggered by intense rainfall. The camp is situated within the Guadalupe River valley, which experienced a sudden and historic rise in water levels, leading to the urgent need for overnight evacuation.
What safety advice did officials give residents near the Guadalupe River during the flood?
Authorities issued urgent public safety advisories to residents living near the Guadalupe River and other waterways in the affected areas. Residents were strongly urged to move to higher ground immediately upon signs of rising water. Officials also advised people to shelter in place, avoid traveling in the dangerous flood-affected areas, particularly near the river, and to never attempt to drive or walk through flooded roads or areas, emphasizing the “Turn around, don’t drown” warning.
This devastating flood event in the Texas Hill Country highlights the extreme power of nature and the critical importance of heeding evacuation orders and safety advisories during severe weather. The focus remains on search and rescue efforts, with the hope of safely locating all missing individuals from Camp Mystic and across Kerr County as emergency teams continue their exhaustive work in the wake of this historic natural disaster.
