Texas Flash Floods Kill 24; 23 Girls Missing from Camp Mystic as Guadalupe River Surges

In Kerr County, Texas Flash Floods Kill 24; 23 Girls Missing from Camp Mystic as Guadalupe River Surges. Catastrophic Texas flash floods swept through Kerr County on the morning of July 4, leaving at least 24 people dead and 23 girls missing from a popular Christian summer camp after the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in just 45 minutes. The devastating event unfolded overnight as up to 12 inches of rain fell in a matter of hours, turning serene riverbanks into deadly torrents and stranding hundreds across the Texas Hill Country.

Texas Flash Floods Kill 24; 23 Girls Missing from Camp Mystic as Guadalupe River Surges

Torrential Rain Triggers Flash Flood Emergency

The National Weather Service (NWS) declared a flash flood emergency early Friday after intense thunderstorms dumped historic levels of rainfall across Kerr County, about 65 miles northwest of San Antonio.

The Guadalupe River, known for its scenic beauty and summer tourism, became a death trap as it swelled at an unprecedented rate.

“This happened within less than a two-hour span,” said Dalton Rice, city manager of Kerrville, the county seat. “It could not be predicted, even with radar.”

A river gauge in Hunt showed a 22-foot rise before it failed, and the water ultimately reached 29.45 feet, the second-highest on record, surpassing the 1987 flood.

No Warning System in Place: Officials Admit Failure

Despite flood watches being issued, local officials acknowledged there was no warning system in place to notify residents or summer camps of the impending disaster.

“We don’t have a warning system,” said Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly. “We didn’t know this flood was coming.”

The admission has ignited frustration and grief among families whose loved ones were caught unaware, particularly those with children attending nearby Christian summer camps.

Camp Mystic: 23 Girls Still Missing

One of the worst-hit locations was Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls. Located along the Guadalupe River, the camp had over 750 children staying for the July 4 weekend.

“We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.

At least 23 girls remain missing, with authorities unsure whether they are among the deceased or still stranded in remote areas. Search teams have been scouring trees, cabins, and riverbanks in hopes of finding survivors.

A message from the camp’s director confirmed that the facility had sustained “catastrophic flooding” and had no power, water, or Wi-Fi, making communication difficult.

Social Media Flooded with Pleas from Parents

As word of the disaster spread, social media was overwhelmed with desperate posts from parents trying to locate their daughters.

“Post names of rescued!” one mother pleaded, as images of submerged cabins and upturned vehicles circulated online.

Although Camp Waldemar, another girls’ camp nearby, confirmed all its campers were safe, the situation at Camp Mystic remains dire.

Rescue officials have emphasized that not all of the missing are presumed dead, and search operations are still underway.

Over 237 People Rescued; 167 by Helicopter

The Texas Department of Public Safety, along with FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and state responders, deployed an extensive search-and-rescue effort involving:

• 14 helicopters
• 12 drones
• 400+ emergency personnel

So far, 237 people have been rescued, including 167 by helicopter, as crews pulled stranded residents and campers from rooftops and treetops.

President Trump and Governor Abbott Respond

President Donald Trump, speaking from Air Force One, called the floods “shocking” and vowed that federal aid would be provided.

“We’ll take care of them,” Trump said.

Governor Greg Abbott signed a state disaster declaration Friday evening to accelerate emergency response across Kerr and neighboring counties. He assured Texans that rescue operations would continue through the night.

“Texas is strong, but this tragedy is heartbreaking,” Abbott stated. “We will stand together and do everything we can to bring every child home.”

Emotional Testimonies from Survivors

Many survivors have shared their harrowing flood experiences, including Erin Burgess, who lives across the Guadalupe River in Bumble Bee Hills.

“My son and I floated to a tree where we hung onto it,” Burgess recalled tearfully. “My boyfriend and dog floated away. We found them later.”

Such stories underscore the suddenness of the flooding and the lack of time to react, with many awakened by water pouring into their homes in the middle of the night.

Independence Day Celebrations Canceled Across Texas

The tragedy cast a dark shadow over July 4 celebrations across the region. Kerrville, which had planned a large fireworks display along the river, canceled all events. Many other Hill Country towns followed suit.

“We must focus all our attention on the emergency at hand,” local officials said.

Wider Impact: Flash Floods Strike Northeast Too

Severe weather didn’t spare the Northeastern U.S.. In Plainfield, New Jersey, three people died, including two men crushed when a tree fell on their car. The city canceled all July 4 events, citing public safety.

In Connecticut, hail and strong winds caused power outages and vehicle accidents, further stretching emergency services already on high alert.

What Caused the Texas Flash Floods?

Meteorologists say the floods resulted from a perfect storm of meteorological factors:

• Saturated soil conditions from recent rains
• Rapid atmospheric pressure drops
• Topography of the Texas Hill Country
• Intense thunderstorm cells that stalled over the region

According to a Washington Post report, the region received 1.8 trillion gallons of rainwater equivalent to four months of rainfall in just four hours.

“Even light rainfall can cause new flash floods in this area,” warned the NWS, urging residents to stay away from rivers and creeks.

Infrastructure Damaged, Economic Toll Expected to Be High

With roads washed out, power grids damaged, and homes submerged, the Texas Hill Country faces a long road to recovery. Officials have not released damage estimates but expect the economic toll to be severe.

The region, popular for river tourism and historic summer camps, now lies in disrepair. Many rental cabins and campsites have been swept away or destroyed.

“It’s not just financial loss,” said a local business owner. “It’s cultural and emotional. These places are Texas traditions.”

Flash Flood Warnings Remain in Effect

With more rain forecast in the next 24–48 hours, flash flood warnings remain active from San Antonio to Waco. Authorities have urged residents to:

• Avoid traveling to flood-affected areas
• Stay off roads and riverbanks
• Monitor emergency alerts and weather updates
• Report missing persons to local authorities immediately

“Please let us do our work,” said Sheriff Larry Leitha. “We are doing everything in our power to bring these kids home.”

Conclusion: A Tragedy Still Unfolding

The Texas flash floods of July 4, 2025, stand as a grim reminder of how nature can upend lives in minutes. With 24 confirmed dead and 23 girls still missing, including children from Camp Mystic, the true scope of the disaster continues to unfold.

As families wait for word and first responders continue their tireless efforts, Texans and the nation are united in prayer, grief, and hope.

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