KERRVILLE, Texas – The devastating flash floods that swept through Texas Hill Country in the early hours of Friday, July 4, have now claimed at least 24 lives, with search and rescue operations ongoing for dozens more missing. Among the unaccounted for are 23 girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp on the banks of the Guadalupe River.
Heavy rainfall, exceeding 10 inches (250 mm) in central Kerr County overnight, caused the Guadalupe River to rise an astonishing 22 feet in just two hours. The sudden surge of water caught many off guard, leading to widespread destruction of homes and vehicles.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the fatalities, and officials have warned that the death toll may continue to rise as search efforts intensify. Over 400 emergency workers, supported by nine rescue teams, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones, are involved in the extensive search. So far, 237 people have been rescued, including 167 by helicopter.
Residents have expressed concern about the lack of advance warning, with city officials stating that the rapid and extreme nature of the flooding made it impossible to issue timely evacuation orders. The National Weather Service had issued a flash flood watch, later upgraded to a warning, affecting approximately 30,000 residents.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has declared an emergency disaster, promising state resources to aid in the search and rescue efforts. The situation remains critical as authorities work to identify the victims and locate all those still missing.
