Torrential rains triggered catastrophic flash flooding along the Guadalupe River on Friday, July 4, leaving at least 24 people dead and dozens more missing in what officials have called one of the most devastating natural disasters to strike Texas Hill Country in recent memory.
The flooding, which swept through communities northwest of San Antonio with little warning, caught many by surprise as the Guadalupe River surged more than 26 feet (7.9 meters) in under an hour. Mobile homes, vehicles, and cabins used by holidaymakers were swept away in the early hours of the morning.
Among the missing are up to 25 girls who were attending Camp Mystic, a private Christian summer camp for girls situated along the riverbanks near Kerrville. Officials said approximately 750 campers were present at the time of the flood. Most have been safely evacuated, but a search-and-rescue operation continues for the missing.
First responders deliver people to a reunification center after flash flooding in the area, Friday, July 4, 2025, in Ingram, Texas. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
“We’re praying for all those missing to be found alive,” said Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, adding that the floodwaters hit the camp and surrounding areas around 4 a.m. local time.
A state of emergency has been declared in multiple counties. Roads have been washed out, communication lines are down, and local infrastructure has sustained significant damage. Rescue teams, including emergency personnel and volunteers, are working around the clock, combing through debris and flood zones.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott addressed the public late Friday evening, nearly 18 hours after the flooding began, pledging that search-and-rescue efforts would continue through the night and into the weekend. “The resources devoted to this effort will be limitless,” he said.
President Donald Trump, speaking from Air Force One, promised federal assistance, stating, “We’ll take care of them.”
The U.S. National Weather Service issued a rare flash flood emergency for parts of Kerr County following thunderstorms that dropped up to 12 inches (30 centimeters) of rain. According to local officials, the intensity and speed of the flooding left no time for advance evacuations.
“This happened very quickly, over a very short period of time that could not be predicted, even with radar,” said Dalton Rice, city manager for Kerrville. “We simply did not have time to react.”
W. Nim Kidd, head of the Texas Division of Emergency Management, echoed that sentiment, saying forecasts had warned of potential flooding, but the actual rainfall far exceeded expectations.
The flooding forced the cancellation of Fourth of July celebrations throughout the region, including Kerrville’s waterfront fireworks display, which was entirely submerged by the swollen river.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed the death toll had risen to 24 by Friday night, a stark increase from 13 reported earlier in the day. One additional fatality was reported in neighboring Kendall County but has not yet been officially linked to the flooding.
Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly described the disaster as unprecedented. “We have floods all the time. This is the most dangerous river valley in the United States,” he said. “But we had no reason to believe this would become what we’re facing today.”
As the search for the missing continues, communities across Texas are bracing for additional rainfall in the days ahead. Emergency services remain on high alert, with officials urging residents in flood-prone areas to stay vigilant.
