A sudden, devastating flash flood tore through Central Texas over the Fourth of July weekend, bringing unprecedented destruction, particularly to Kerr county. Among those caught in the deluge was Camp mystic, an all-girls Christian camp near Hunt, situated along the Guadalupe River. This catastrophic event saw water levels rise with alarming speed, overwhelming structures and leading to tragic loss of life across the region. Texas Congressman August Pfluger shared the harrowing account of his two daughters who were attending the camp and survived the treacherous conditions.
Chaos Unleashed by Rapidly Rising Waters
The sheer force and speed of the floodwaters caught many off guard. In the early morning hours of Friday, July 4th, the Guadalupe River surged dramatically, rising over 26 feet in less than an hour in some areas. This overwhelming rush of water turned familiar landscapes into raging torrents, making escape incredibly difficult for those in low-lying areas, including sections of Camp Mystic. The ground in the Texas Hill Country is known for its quick runoff, a factor exacerbated by the heavy rainfall that fell in the dark hours.
Rep. August Pfluger, who represents Texas’s 11th Congressional District, had two daughters among the hundreds of campers at Camp Mystic. The family’s first inkling of the severity came not through official channels, but reportedly from a group of concerned parents. Communications at the camp were limited, adding to the initial confusion and fear surrounding the unfolding disaster.
A Family’s Ordeal at Camp Mystic
Congressman Pfluger’s daughters were located in different parts of the sprawling camp. One daughter was thankfully in an area called Senior Hill, situated on higher ground that remained above the flood levels. However, his other daughter was staying in The Flats, a lower section of the camp directly in the path of the rapidly advancing water. As the floodwaters rose, campers in The Flats faced immediate danger.
To reach a designated safe point, an 80-year-old building known as the Rec Hall, the girls had to evacuate quickly. Rep. Pfluger recounted his daughter walking through water that was nearly knee-deep just to get inside the building. The situation deteriorated rapidly. Within minutes of reaching the Rec Hall, the water outside rose even higher, forcing the over 100 children inside to seek refuge on the building’s second floor. This upper level was typically off-limits due to stability concerns, highlighting the desperate circumstances they faced.
Pfluger described the unimaginable scene: children watching the water climb the outside of the building, rising almost to the second story. Despite the terrifying situation, he shared a moving detail: the girls’ faith remained strong. His daughters told him that they were holding hands, praying, and singing songs throughout the ordeal. They described the Camp Mystic community as a family, noting the close bonds between younger and older campers, many of whom had previously stayed in the cabins that were tragically impacted.
Heroism and Loss Amidst the Tragedy
The Camp Mystic community suffered a profound loss during the flooding. Dick Eastland, the camp’s co-owner and director, tragically died while attempting to save campers from the floodwaters. His sacrifice is a testament to the deep dedication of the Eastland family to the camp and the girls who attend it.
Rep. Pfluger spoke highly of the Eastland family and the camp’s mission, praising their commitment to nurturing girls into women of character, faith, and leadership. The loss of Dick Eastland is a painful reminder of the human cost of this disaster.
Beyond Camp Mystic, the flash flooding resulted in a significant regional death toll. As of Tuesday morning, July 8th, 2025, the confirmed fatalities across Central Texas had tragically climbed to 109 people.
Regional Impact and Rising Death Tolls
Kerr County bore the brunt of the disaster, accounting for 87 confirmed deaths. At Camp Mystic alone, initial reports indicated at least 27 campers and counselors were confirmed dead, with others still missing. The tragedy extended to other counties, with Travis County reporting at least seven deaths and significant infrastructure damage. Kendall County also saw seven fatalities, while Burnet County confirmed at least five deaths, including a missing volunteer fire chief from Marble Falls. Williamson County reported two deaths, and Tom Green County confirmed one fatality.
The scale of the missing persons count in Kerr County was particularly alarming, with at least 161 individuals still unaccounted for as of Tuesday, days into intensive search efforts. This underscored the widespread destruction and the challenges facing search and rescue teams.
Massive Search and Rescue Operations
The immediate aftermath triggered a massive, multi-agency search and rescue operation across the affected areas, centered in Kerr County. First responders, including state and local officials, firefighters, and specialized teams from other states like Nebraska and Florida, deployed a variety of resources. Helicopters scanned flooded areas, ATVs navigated treacherous terrain, boats searched waterways, and K9 units assisted in locating individuals. Over 1,000 registered volunteers also joined the effort, demonstrating immense community spirit.
Despite the coordinated efforts, search conditions were difficult due to debris, damaged infrastructure, and initially, continued rainfall. Officials noted that as days passed, the focus in some areas began to shift from rescue to recovery, acknowledging the dwindling chances of finding survivors. The complexity of the search was highlighted by challenges like unauthorized private drones interfering with rescue aircraft, forcing one helicopter to make an emergency landing after a collision.
Questions About Warnings and Preparedness
The rapid rise of the floodwaters and the tragic loss of life have raised critical questions regarding emergency warning systems and preparedness. Some survivors reported receiving no or delayed emergency alerts, sparking debate about the adequacy and timing of warnings issued before the catastrophic flash flood hit areas like Camp Mystic.
Kerr County officials have faced scrutiny regarding their warning systems. Reports indicate that nearly a decade prior, county leaders had sought state funding for a real-time flood warning system, a request that was reportedly denied by the Texas Division of Emergency Management, even after a significant flood event in 2016. Officials have stated that the National Weather Service did issue flood watches and warnings, providing some lead time, but acknowledged the unprecedented nature of this “100-year-flood.” The concept of “warning fatigue” and past community resistance to funding warning systems due to cost have also been mentioned in discussions about preparedness.
Community Resilience and Ongoing Needs
Amidst the devastation, stories of community resilience and aid emerged. Neighbors helped neighbors, and strangers stepped forward as rescuers. Organizations like Samaritan’s Purse deployed teams to assist with recovery efforts. Local businesses also contributed; one jewelry store reportedly sold out of charms in a fundraiser for relief. A $1 million pledge from a company was also noted as a significant contribution.
For those wishing to help, donations have been directed to support relief and recovery efforts through established funds, such as the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund via the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. The scale of the disaster means that recovery will be a long and challenging process for the affected communities.
The tragedy at Camp Mystic and the wider Central Texas flooding underscore the immense power of nature and the critical importance of effective warning systems, robust emergency response, and community preparedness in the face of severe weather events.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the impact of the Texas flood on Camp Mystic and Kerr County?
The flash flooding had a devastating impact on Camp Mystic and Kerr County. At Camp Mystic, an all-girls summer camp, rapid floodwaters tragically caused the deaths of at least 27 campers and counselors, with others initially reported missing. The camp director also died trying to save campers. Kerr County as a whole was the hardest-hit area in Central Texas, accounting for 87 of the 109 total confirmed deaths across the region as of July 8, 2025. Hundreds of individuals were also reported missing in the county.
Where can families find information about missing persons or donate to flood relief efforts?
Information regarding missing persons was being coordinated through official search and rescue operations involving multiple agencies. For those seeking to support the recovery and relief efforts in the affected areas, donations have been directed to funds such as the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund. This fund is managed through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, providing a coordinated way for the public to contribute to helping flood victims and communities rebuild.
Were there warnings issued before the flash flooding hit areas like Camp Mystic?
Discussion regarding warnings has been a significant point following the flood. Officials stated that the National Weather Service did issue flood watches and warnings, providing some lead time before the flash flood occurred. However, some survivors reported receiving no or delayed alerts, and the rapid, unprecedented rise of the water led to questions about the timing and effectiveness of the warning systems for this specific, extreme event. Reports also noted past proposals for enhanced local warning systems that were not implemented.
The Central Texas floods of July 2025 serve as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of flash flooding and the profound human impact when communities are caught in its path. The story of survival, like that of Congressman Pfluger’s daughters, alongside the tragic losses and heroic efforts of rescuers and community members, paints a full picture of this harrowing event. Ongoing recovery and assessment will continue to inform future preparedness efforts in the region.
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