A devastating flash flood swept through Central Texas early Friday, July 4, 2025, resulting in at least 68 confirmed fatalities and leaving 11 young girls and one counselor from a summer camp unaccounted for. The flooding, which occurred after torrential rainfall, caused the Guadalupe River to rise dramatically, overwhelming homes, camps, and roads in Kerr County.
Sudden Rise in River Levels After Torrential Rain
According to officials, a month’s worth of rain fell in less than two hours across South Central Texas. The Guadalupe River rose 22 feet within two hours near Hunt, where the river forks. The river eventually reached 29.5 feet before a gauge was overtaken by floodwaters and stopped transmitting.
Flash flood warnings were issued in advance. AccuWeather issued a flash flood warning at 12:44 p.m. CT on Thursday, followed by a National Weather Service flood watch at 1:14 p.m. CT. Meteorologists had predicted up to 7 inches of isolated rainfall.
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jon Porter cited the region’s terrain and moisture access as major contributors to the rapid flooding. “The Guadalupe River went from probably just a typical lazy river… to a wall of water with height rises of 30 feet of fast-moving water in less than an hour,” Porter said.
Search-and-Rescue Efforts Ongoing
Rescue teams, including over 1,000 local, state, and federal responders, continue to search the affected areas, particularly along the Guadalupe River. Texas Governor Greg Abbott emphasized that operations would continue nonstop: “They will be nonstop, seeking to find everybody who is unaccounted for.” Drones and helicopters are being used to search debris-clogged riverbanks. A disaster declaration has been issued for 15 counties.
Texas Rep. Chip Roy and Gov. Dan Patrick also confirmed ongoing efforts, with Patrick noting that Camp Mystic—located near the river and home to more than 750 campers—sustained catastrophic damage. The camp currently has no water, power, or internet access.
Camp Mystic and Reports of Missing Campers
Among the missing are 11 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp nearly a century old. Campers were staying in low-lying areas when the flooding struck. While children at other camps were reported safe, communications from Camp Mystic were delayed due to a lack of phones and devices.
Gov. Abbott visited the site and described water levels reaching the tops of cabins. A 13-year-old camper told the Associated Press that rescuers used a rope to guide girls across a bridge as water surged around them.
Families of at least four campers have confirmed deaths. CNN identified the deceased as 9-year-olds Janie Hunt, Lila Bonner, and Renee Smajstrla, and 10-year-old Sarah Marsh. Several children remain missing, including 9-year-old Lainey Landry, 10-year-old Greta Toranzo, and Blakely McCrory.
Impact and Historical Context
The floodwaters peaked at 29 feet on Friday morning, marking the second-highest recorded level in the region. Evacuations were issued in Kerrville and Comfort, and the National Weather Service classified the flooding as life-threatening.
President Donald Trump posted on social media that the federal government is working with Texas officials in response to the disaster.
The current flooding surpassed levels from a 1987 event in which 10 teenagers died near Comfort. Flash floods in the area remain a severe hazard, with the National Weather Service warning that just 6 inches of moving water can impair vehicle control, and 18 inches can sweep vehicles away.
Continued Threat and Forecast
The Texas National Guard and Department of Public Safety have been deployed as the region braces for more rain. As of Sunday, six million people remain under flood watches, particularly in areas north and west of Austin. While rain is expected to lessen, the risk of flash flooding persists.
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