Catastrophic Flash Floods Devastate Central Texas, Leaving Dozens Dead or Missing

On July 4, 2025, catastrophic flash floods swept through central Texas, particularly devastating Kerr County. The deluge resulted in at least 24 fatalities and left over 20 children missing from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp for girls situated along the Guadalupe River in Hunt, Texas.

The flooding was triggered by torrential rains that deposited between 5 to 11 inches within a short period, causing the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically. In some areas, the river surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes, reaching nearly 30 feet in certain locations and washing out roads. The rapid onset of the flooding provided little to no warning, catching many residents and campers by surprise.

Emergency response teams, including the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA, were mobilized to assist in search and rescue operations. Over 237 people have been rescued, with 167 evacuated by helicopter. The Texas Hill Country, known for its river tourism and scenic camps, is particularly vulnerable to flash floods due to its terrain. This event echoes a 1987 tragedy where 10 campers drowned in a similar incident in the region.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott stated that search-and-rescue operations would continue indefinitely, with expansive resources pledged. President Donald Trump assured federal support, calling the floods "terrible" and promising aid to those affected.

The event underscores the increasing frequency and intensity of flash floods, which are being intensified by climate change. With increasingly warm air holding more moisture, storms are becoming stronger and wetter, leading to more frequent flash flood emergencies.

The disaster has had profound social implications, particularly for the families of the missing campers and the local community. The lack of an effective warning system has been highlighted as a significant concern, with officials noting that the flooding vastly exceeded forecasts.

Authorities continue to search for the missing and assess damage in what is considered one of the worst floods to impact this region.