Tragedy Strikes Texas: 24 Dead, Over 20 Girls Missing in Guadalupe River Flash Floods

 

Flash floods struck the Guadalupe River in south-central Texas early Friday morning, killing at least 24 people and leaving over 20 girls missing from a Christian summer camp called Camp Mystic. The flooding was caused by a torrential downpour that dumped up to a foot of rain on the region overnight. The river rose by 26 feet in just 45 minutes, catching communities completely off guard.

Local officials said there was little to no warning before floodwaters surged, preventing evacuations ahead of time. Most of the flooding hit before dawn, overwhelming subdivisions, campgrounds, and RV parks across Kerr County. Kerrville city manager Dalton Rice described the event as a fast-moving disaster that radar could not fully predict.

Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster and promised unlimited support. President Donald Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, also vowed federal aid. Authorities confirmed that all but 23 campers had been safely evacuated. Emergency teams, including the Coast Guard and FEMA, have rescued over 230 people so far, with helicopters used to reach those in inaccessible areas.

The National Weather Service had warned of heavy rain, but emergency officials said they could not anticipate the scale of flooding. Local fireworks and July Fourth events were canceled across the region as floodwaters consumed planned celebration sites.

See also: (In US) Over 23 Girls Missing After Floods Hit Camp Mystic in Texas

Search-and-rescue teams continued working through Friday night and into Saturday as the death toll rose and the fate of the missing campers remained uncertain. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick confirmed that all the missing girls were attending Camp Mystic and that everyone was hoping they would be found alive. The camp had over 750 children when flooding hit around 4 a.m.

Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha said the death toll had risen to 24, and one additional body was found in a neighboring county, although that fatality had not been confirmed as flood-related. Officials emphasized that the flood was unlike anything they had experienced before. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly noted that despite routine floods in the area, no one anticipated something of this magnitude.

By Friday night, 237 people had been rescued or evacuated, 167 of them by helicopter. Officials warned of ongoing risks, with more rain forecast between San Antonio and Waco in the next 48 hours. Emergency response levels across the state had already been raised on Thursday in preparation, but the rainfall exceeded all expectations.

Governor Abbott’s disaster declaration aims to fast-track aid to affected areas. Coast Guard personnel and FEMA teams have been deployed to assist local responders. Community members are rallying to support victims, with emergency shelters and aid distribution underway.

Authorities are urging residents to stay alert, avoid flooded roads, and heed emergency warnings. As families wait for updates on the missing, prayers and support continue to pour in across the state and the nation.

Texas Floods: Search for Missing Children at Summer Camp to Continue Overnight

Rescue operations are ongoing in Kerr County, Texas, after catastrophic flash floods claimed lives and left dozens missing.

Key updates:

1. Death toll rises: At least 24 people have died, up from 13 earlier in the day, following severe flash flooding.

2. Children missing at summer camp: Between 23 and 25 girls remain unaccounted for at Camp Mystic, a summer holiday camp along the Guadalupe River.

3. Additional fatality reported: One death has been confirmed in nearby Kendall County, though it’s unclear if it’s flood-related.

4. Rescues and evacuations: A total of 237 people have been rescued or evacuated so far.

5. Governor declares emergency: Texas Governor Greg Abbott called the flooding an “extraordinary catastrophe” and signed an emergency declaration to release all necessary resources.

6. Overnight rescue efforts: Governor Abbott said searches would continue “non-stop” throughout the night. It was just past 11:00 PM local time when he spoke.

7. Forecasts underestimated rainfall: Authorities say weather forecasts had not predicted the volume of rain that ultimately fell.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his concern, calling the situation both "shocking" and "terrible."

Search and rescue teams remain on high alert, focusing efforts around the devastated camp area and along the riverbanks as night falls.

Search Efforts Ongoing as Over 20 Girls Remain Missing in Texas Floods

Coverage resumes on the ongoing rescue operation in central Texas, where devastating flash floods have claimed at least 24 lives.

Authorities confirm that more than 20 girls attending a Christian summer camp home to over 700 children are still unaccounted for.

A state of emergency has been declared across multiple counties, with widespread infrastructure damage including washed-out roads and disrupted communication networks.

We will continue to provide timely updates as the situation develops.

See also: Trump says tariff letters to 12 countries signed, going out Monday

NWS Issues Urgent Warning as 'Very Dangerous Flash Flooding' Continues in Texas

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Austin and San Antonio has issued an updated alert warning of ongoing "very dangerous flash flooding" across parts of central Texas.

According to the NWS, a slow-moving weather system is generating exceptionally heavy rainfall, prompting flash flood warnings and a flash flood emergency for north-west Travis County. Additional alerts are also in effect for western Williamson and Burnet counties.

Authorities continue to urge residents to avoid all non-essential travel. Earlier, the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office advised those living near creeks, streams, and the Guadalupe River to immediately move to higher ground as conditions remain hazardous.

Rescue Efforts Challenged by Washed-Out Roads and Communication Outages in Texas Flood Zone

In under an hour, the Guadalupe River surged by 26 feet (8 meters), unleashing devastating flash floods that swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins as families gathered for the 4 July weekend.

Officials report there was little advance warning, with forecasts failing to predict the severity of the incoming storm.

Among the affected were more than 750 children attending a summer camp over 20 of whom remain unaccounted for.

Ongoing rescue operations are being severely hindered by washed-out roads and widespread communication blackouts, complicating efforts to reach affected areas and locate missing individuals.

Helicopters and boats have been deployed as part of a coordinated search and rescue mission, which will continue until all individuals are located. A state of emergency remains in effect across multiple counties.

‘It’s Total Devastation’: Kerrville Residents Describe Chaos as Floodwaters Tear Through RV Park

Residents of Kerrville, Texas, are describing harrowing scenes of destruction after flash floods swept through a recreational vehicle (RV) park overnight.

Bud Bolton, speaking to the San Antonio Express-News, recalled the terrifying moment floodwaters surged through: “They were caught inside that RV, and that RV’s floating away. And kids are screaming, and you can’t do nothing for them?”

Thomas Rux, another RV park resident, said he was jolted awake by thunder and heavy rain, only to be told to evacuate by the fire department minutes before his RV was overtaken by the fast-rising waters.

Local restaurant owner Lorena captured the scale of the crisis: “It’s total devastation. Helicopters are flying in, rescuing people trapped in trees. It’s bad.”

Search and rescue teams remain active in the area, as officials continue efforts to locate missing individuals and provide emergency support to displaced residents.

At Least Five Flood Victims Confirmed from Houston Area, Says County Judge

Authorities have begun to release limited information about the victims of the devastating Texas floods, with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo confirming that at least five of those killed were residents of the Houston area.

In a statement shared on social media, Judge Hidalgo expressed her condolences:

“Today, my heart aches for our neighbors in Kerr County. The violent surge of floodwaters is something we are all too familiar with. I pray that emergency personnel are able to promptly find the young girls missing from Camp Mystic.”

She also noted that Harris County stands ready to provide assistance:

“Harris County mourns the victims five of whom have been confirmed from Houston/Harris County. All of Texas is impacted by this tragic event.”