Devastating Texas Floods Leave 79 Dead as Search Intensifies for Missing Children
A catastrophic flash flood in Central Texas has left the state reeling, with at least 79 confirmed deaths and search efforts intensifying for multiple missing persons, including children from a summer camp. The disaster, triggered by back-to-back nights of relentless rainfall, caused the Guadalupe River to surge by as much as 26 feet in under an hour, sweeping away roads, homes, and entire communities across six counties.
In the early hours of Friday morning, residents of Kerr County were jolted awake as floodwaters tore through the Upper Guadalupe region. The river’s sudden rise overwhelmed low-lying ranches, rural neighborhoods, and summer camps before many even had time to react. Rescue crews described the water’s rise as one of the most rapid they’d ever seen in the region.
Kerr County was hit hardest, recording 68 deaths—28 of them children. Eleven campers are still unaccounted for from Camp Mystic, a well-known girls’ camp in the area. Other counties, including Kendall, Gillespie, Real, Comal, and Bandera, reported additional fatalities, with swift-water incidents and destroyed homes contributing to the grim toll.
Survivors have shared harrowing accounts of the flood’s sudden fury. Some said water rose from ankle-deep to roof-high in under ten minutes. Camp Mystic counselors scrambled to get girls to higher ground using kayaks, but several dormitories were torn apart. With cell towers down and many roads washed out, emergency response was delayed in several locations. Despite these challenges, more than 230 people have been rescued by boat or helicopter since the flooding began.
On Saturday night, President Donald Trump signed a Major Disaster Declaration for Kerr County, unlocking vital FEMA aid, debris-clearing contracts, and emergency housing support. FEMA’s Region VI team deployed to Kerrville by Sunday, coordinating with state and local responders.
Weather remains a concern. The National Weather Service has extended a Flash Flood Watch through Monday morning for much of Hill Country and the I-35 corridor, warning that an additional 2 to 4 inches of rain could fall. Emergency officials are urging residents to avoid rural roads, respect barricades at low-water crossings, and use multiple methods to receive alerts.
The disaster has also raised serious questions about preparedness. Kerr County currently lacks a siren-based river warning system. Camp leaders admitted to relying mostly on smartphone weather apps, which failed to provide timely alerts. County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the oversight, pledging to pursue a more robust alert system once the crisis subsides.
As the community begins to process the scale of this tragedy, many are asking how they can help. The Hill Country United Way has launched a dedicated “Guadalupe Flood Relief” fund to support victims, while Texas VOAD has called for volunteers to register online instead of showing up unannounced. A 24/7 missing-person hotline has also been established at 830-555-2025.
State officials continue to emphasize caution. “The river is still extremely dangerous,” warned DPS Captain Laura Meza. “We understand the urge to return home, but please wait for the official all-clear. We cannot afford another loss.”
The full scope of the damage is still unfolding as rescue and recovery teams work tirelessly to find the missing and support survivors. For families across Texas, this July 4th will be remembered not for celebration, but for heartbreak and the resilience of those left behind.