A catastrophic flash flood in central Texas has left at least 51 people dead and 27 girls still missing, as search and rescue operations continue across Kerr County and surrounding areas. The disaster struck overnight Friday (July 4–5, 2025), with waters rising at unprecedented speed and engulfing homes, camps, and vehicles in what officials have called a once-in-a-century flood.
The flooding has claimed the lives of at least 43 people in Kerr County alone, including 15 children, and more fatalities have been reported in nearby counties. Many of the missing are girls from Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp along the Guadalupe River, which was completely destroyed when floodwaters rose 26 feet (8 meters) in just 45 minutes before dawn on Friday.
Search and rescue under way
Rescue crews, aided by helicopters, drones, and boats, are scouring the devastated landscape for survivors. More than 850 people have been rescued in the past 36 hours, but the fate of many remains unknown. Families and friends of the missing have posted desperate pleas and photographs on social media, hoping for information.
Governor Greg Abbott declared Sunday a day of prayer for Texas and vowed to keep rescue efforts running around the clock. “I urge every Texan to join me in prayer this Sunday — for the lives lost, for those still missing, for the recovery of our communities, and for the safety of those on the front lines,” he said.
Camps and homes swept away
Survivors described scenes of chaos as water tore through the hills and campsites. Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper at Mystic, recalled how the girls were evacuated across a bridge as water whipped around their legs. “It was really scary,” she said.
In Ingram, Erin Burgess and her son clung to a tree for an hour after floodwaters overwhelmed their home, while Barry Adelman’s family, including a 94-year-old grandmother and a 9-year-old grandson, fled to their attic to escape the rising water.
Questions over preparedness
The scale of destruction has raised questions about whether adequate warnings and preparations were made. The National Weather Service and private forecasters say they issued flood warnings hours in advance, but many residents and camp organizers said they were caught by surprise.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly acknowledged the community’s shock. “We know we get rains. We know the river rises. But nobody saw this coming,” he said.
Relief and recovery efforts begin
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem arrived in Kerr County to oversee relief efforts and pledged federal support. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country has begun collecting donations to assist victims and rebuild the devastated communities.
As water levels slowly recede, officials are shifting focus from rescue to recovery, but the task ahead remains daunting. “The rescue has gone as well as can be expected,” said Kelly. “Now it’s getting time for the recovery — and that’s going to be a long, toilsome task for us.”
