Tragedy struck the Texas Hill Country on friday, July 4, 2025, as a catastrophic flash flood swept through the region. Triggered by intense overnight downpours, the fast-rising waters of the Guadalupe River claimed at least 24 lives, including children. Hundreds of people were left stranded, and dozens remain unaccounted for, notably more than 20 girls from a summer camp near the river. Emergency crews are engaged in a massive search-and-rescue operation across the devastated landscape.
Unprecedented Rainfall Causes Sudden Catastrophe
The disaster unfolded rapidly following an extraordinary weather event. Overnight, five to ten inches of rain deluged parts of Kerr and Kendall counties. This intense rainfall fell upon ground parched by a prolonged drought, preventing absorption and leading to massive, sudden runoff. The Guadalupe River experienced a terrifying surge, cresting at near-record levels. Near Hunt, water levels rose more than 22 feet in just a few hours. Further downstream near Comfort, the river surged a staggering 22 feet in only 30 minutes at one point, reaching over 6 feet above flood stage. This wall of water moved with incredible speed and force.
Local officials described the event as an “extraordinary catastrophe” and a “mass casualty event.” The speed and intensity of the flood caught many off guard. Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice stated that the extreme flooding struck with little to no advance warning, making timely evacuations impossible. “This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time, that could not be predicted,” Rice told reporters, noting it occurred within less than a two-hour span.
Escalating Death Toll and Harrowing Accounts
The confirmed death toll from the Texas flood has tragically risen to 24 people, according to Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha. The victims include both adults and children. Many bodies were recovered from vehicles swept away by the floodwaters. Officials had initially reported finding between six and ten bodies, with the count tragically escalating throughout Friday. The sheer force of the water caused widespread destruction, smashing windows, ripping off doors, and sweeping away structures. Reports from areas like the Riverside RV Park in Ingram described the area being completely inundated, with some 28 RVs estimated lost.
Beyond the confirmed fatalities, many people remain missing. A significant concern is the status of attendees at the numerous summer camps dotted along the river valley, particularly Camp Mystic in Hunt. This private Christian summer camp for girls was hosting approximately 750 children when the flood hit. As of Friday night, between 23 and 25 girls from Camp Mystic were still unaccounted for. Camp officials communicated to parents that they were working with search and rescue teams, but washed-out highways hindered access for additional help. While some missing individuals might be safe but unable to communicate due to power and internet outages, the uncertainty has caused immense distress for families. Social media became a critical tool for desperate loved ones seeking any information.
Personal accounts from survivors highlight the terror and suddenness of the event. Erin Burgess, a resident near Ingram, described waking to heavy rain only for water to rush through her home within 20 minutes. She and her son survived by clinging to a tree for an hour in the dark, while her boyfriend and dog were swept away but later found. In Kerrville, Julian Ryan tragically died attempting to help his family escape their flooded mobile home. He reportedly severed an artery breaking a window. Two college students near Hunt survived after their riverfront house was destroyed; they were swept away from the roof but managed to cling to trees miles downstream before being rescued.
Massive Search and Rescue Efforts Underway
In the wake of the devastation, a large-scale search and rescue operation was immediately launched. State and federal agencies mobilized extensive resources. The Texas Division of Emergency Management, along with state game wardens, troopers, and other personnel, deployed a force of 400 to 500 responders. This included 14 helicopters, 12 drones, nine specialized rescue teams, and numerous swimmers. Helicopter rescues were critical throughout Friday, airlifting dozens of people to safety, including many from Camp Mystic.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that all available state resources were being surged into the affected areas. President Donald Trump was also informed and offered federal assistance. The primary focus remains saving lives and locating the missing. Search operations are expected to continue non-stop through the night and into the next day. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the impacted region to allow rescue teams to work unimpeded.
Warnings and Vulnerability in “Flash Flood Alley”
The Texas Hill Country, renowned for its scenic beauty, also carries a dangerous distinction: it’s located in “flash flood alley.” This term refers to a region particularly susceptible to sudden, intense flooding due to its hilly terrain and thin soil that struggles to absorb heavy rainfall. The Guadalupe River, while a popular destination for tourism and summer camps, is known as one of the most dangerous river valleys in the United States because of its rapid rise potential.
The speed of the recent flood raises questions about warning systems. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly stated that the county does not have a specific warning system for river rises and asserted that the severity of this particular flood was unexpected. “Rest assured, no one knew this flood was coming… We had no reason to believe this was going to be anything like what happened here, none whatsoever,” Kelly commented, despite the area’s history of floods. This contrasts with statements from Lt. Gov. Patrick, who suggested “everything was done to give them a heads up,” and National Weather Service actions, which upgraded flood watches to warnings. However, residents reported receiving no emergency alerts on their mobile phones. The sudden onset, occurring within just an hour or two, underscores the difficulty in predicting and warning for such extreme events in this vulnerable terrain.
Ongoing Threat and Safety Directives
While river levels began to crest in some upstream areas by Friday evening, the threat is not entirely over. Downstream sections of the Guadalupe River were not expected to crest until Saturday morning, with continued flooding anticipated. Moreover, the forecast indicates more rain is possible in other parts of Texas over the next 24 to 48 hours, including areas downriver and extending towards San Antonio and Waco.
Authorities issued urgent safety directives to residents in and near the affected areas. The National Weather Service and the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office strongly warned against driving on water-covered roads, emphasizing that conditions were “life-threatening.” They advised residents near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to immediately move to higher ground and encouraged others in the county to shelter in place due to the “extremely active scene.”
This devastating flood serves as a stark reminder of the power of nature and the inherent risks in areas known for rapid water level changes. As search efforts continue and communities grapple with the loss, the focus remains on finding the missing and providing support to those impacted by this catastrophic event.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did the Texas Hill Country flood happen so suddenly?
The catastrophic flood was triggered by an intense, slow-moving storm that dropped five to ten inches of rain in just a few hours on Friday, July 4, 2025. The ground in the affected area, the Texas Hill Country, was dry from a long drought, meaning it couldn’t absorb the rain. This led to massive, rapid runoff into the Guadalupe River. Because the area is hilly and prone to flash floods (“flash flood alley”), the river levels surged incredibly fast—rising over 22 feet in just hours in some spots—leaving little to no time for warnings or evacuations.
What is the confirmed death toll and how many people are still missing from the Texas flood?
As of Friday night, the confirmed death toll from the Texas flood disaster reached at least 24 people, including children. However, search and rescue operations are ongoing, and the number could potentially rise. Additionally, many people remain unaccounted for. Of particular concern are the approximately 23 to 25 girls from Camp Mystic, a summer camp near Hunt, who were missing after the floodwaters inundated the area. Authorities continue to search for all missing individuals.
What safety measures should residents take during flash flooding in areas like the Texas Hill Country?
Authorities issued critical safety advice during the Texas flood. If you are in an area prone to flooding or near a river, creek, or stream, immediately move to higher ground. Do not attempt to drive on water-covered roads; even shallow water can be dangerously fast-moving and hide hazards. Officials urged residents in the hardest-hit areas to shelter in place if they were not near waterways. Always follow instructions from local emergency services and heed any flood watches or warnings, even if they seem late.
