At Least 24 Dead, Dozens of Children Missing in Catastrophic Texas Flood
Rescue teams search day and night as Camp Mystic families cling to hope
KERR COUNTY, Texas—A peaceful Fourth of July turned into a nightmare for hundreds of families as torrential floods swept through Texas Hill Country, killing at least 24 people and leaving 23–25 children missing from the riverside Camp Mystic. Rescue crews worked through the night using helicopters, drones, and military vehicles to locate survivors after the Guadalupe River surged 26 feet in 45 minutes—a wall of water that obliterated homes, bridges, and cabins in one of Texas’ deadliest natural disasters.
How the Disaster Unfolded
The Texas flood began as a slow-moving storm system drenched Central Texas with 10 inches of rain overnight—equivalent to a month’s rainfall in hours. Hunt, a town near Kerrville, recorded 6.5 inches in just three hours, an event meteorologists classify as a “1-in-100-year storm”.
By 4 a.m. Friday, automated gauges detected a “large and deadly flood wave” barreling down the Guadalupe River. The National Weather Service issued a rare “Particularly Dangerous Situation” alert, urging residents to “SEEK HIGHER GROUND NOW!”. But for many, the warning came too late.
“We didn’t know this flood was coming. No one knew,” Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly emphasized, noting forecasts had predicted only 3–6 inches of rain. “This surpassed even the 1987 flood that killed 10 teens”
The Fight to Save Camp Mystic
Camp Mystic—a century-old Christian summer camp for girls—became ground zero for the Texas flood catastrophe. As the Guadalupe River swallowed cabins, 750 campers scrambled for safety. Older girls on elevated “Senior Hill” survived, but younger children (ages 8–17) near the riverbanks faced the brunt of the deluge.
Thirteen-year-old Elinor Lester described waking to thunder at 1:30 a.m. as water engulfed her cabin. Rescuers later tied ropes for campers to clutch while wading through knee-deep currents. “The camp was completely destroyed. It was really scary,” she told the Associated Press.
By Friday night, 237 people had been rescued county-wide—167 via helicopter hoists—but 23–25 girls remained unaccounted for. Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick stressed, “Unaccounted for does not mean lost. They could be stranded or out of communication”.
Human Toll: Grief and Miracles
At reunification centers in Ingram and Kerrville, sobbing parents embraced children in mud-crusted Camp Mystic T-shirts. Elizabeth Lester wept with relief after finding her daughter but anguished over friends still missing: “My kids are safe, but knowing others are missing eats me alive”.
Other families plastered social media with photos of missing loved ones. Among them:
- Ella Cahill, Aidan Heartfield, Joyce Badon, and Reese Manchaca, high school graduates last heard from at 4 a.m. while “trying to reach higher ground”.
- Hadley Hanna (8), Eloise Peck, Lila Bonner (9), and Kellyanne Lytal, identified as missing campers.
Yet hope flickered amid despair. Annie Paynter confirmed her nephew was saved after “clinging to a tree for six hours,” while Rebecca Johnston located her father, who survived with his do
Systemic Failures and the Road Ahead
Officials acknowledged critical gaps in disaster response. The National Weather Service’s initial advisory “did not predict the amount of rain we saw,” said Texas emergency management chief Nim Kidd 8. No evacuation orders were issued; authorities feared triggering “chaos on roads” amid rising waters 4.
Governor Greg Abbott declared a disaster across 15 counties, mobilizing 500+ personnel, 14 infrared-equipped helicopters, and FEMA resources. President Trump pledged federal aid, calling the devastation “terrible and shocking”.
What’s Next
- Ongoing searches: Crews will work “nonstop” through the weekend, scanning riverbanks and treetops.
- Weather risks: Additional rain through July 6 could worsen flooding as far as Waco.
- Donations: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is collecting funds for displaced families.
For now, Central Texas’s spirit echoes Gov. Abbott’s plea: “We need God more than ever. Pray we find these young girls”
Late-Breaking Update…………………
Rescue Milestones: 237 people evacuated—167 via helicopter—amid downed power lines and collapsed roads. Military helicopters with infrared sensors and drones are scouring flood zones overnight. Reunification centers at Ingram Elementary and Arcadia Live Center process rescued campers
Infrastructure Collapse: The Guadalupe River hit its second-highest level ever recorded, surpassing 1987 flood marks. RV parks, bridges, and highways vanished under water; Kerrville’s water treatment plant failed, prompting conservation orders
Ongoing Threats
- Weather: Additional rainfall (2–5 inches, locally up to 10 inches) expected through July 6. Flash flood emergencies persist in Burnet, Williamson, and Travis Counties—a “life-threatening situation” per the National Weather Service
Systemic Failures: Officials admit forecasts “underpredicted rainfall,” leaving no time for warnings. Kerr County lacks river-alert systems, and climate change has increased atmospheric moisture by 10% since 1900, intensifying deluges
Response Efforts
- State/Federal Mobilization: Gov. Greg Abbott declared disasters in 15 counties, activating 500+ personnel, 14 helicopters, and 12 drones. FEMA and the Coast Guard are en route; President Trump pledged “limitless” aid.
- Community Impact: Witnesses describe RVs “floating away with screaming kids inside.” Lorena Gullen, a restaurant owner, saw vehicles swept downstream with headlights on and horns blarin
How to Assist
- For Families: Contact Kerr County Sheriff (dispatch 830-257-8181) or visit reunification centers.
- Donations: The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country coordinates aid for nonprofits
Texas Flood Update : 06 July 2025 : Death toll now at 78—including 28 children—with 41 still missing, among them 10 girls & 1 counselor from Camp Mystic. Rescue efforts intensify as heavy rain threatens more flooding.