Torrential rains triggered catastrophic floods in Texas, USA, killing at least 43 people and leaving 27 girls missing since Friday, July 4, 2025, along the Rio Guadalupe. The deluge, exceeding 250 millimeters in hours, obliterated Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp hosting over 750 children. Rescue teams, backed by helicopters, scour the area relentlessly, as Governor Greg Abbott vows unwavering efforts. Federal aid was approved by President Donald Trump following a disaster declaration. Families gather at local schools, anxiously awaiting news of their children amid scenes of destruction and despair.
The Rio Guadalupe’s sudden surge turned central Texas into a disaster zone. Homes were swept away, trees uprooted, and roads buried under debris. The National Weather Service had warned of severe weather, but the rainfall far exceeded forecasts, raising the river 6.7 meters in two hours. Over 800 people have been evacuated, with identification of victims ongoing. Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha reported challenges identifying five adults and three children among the deceased, with two more confirmed in neighboring Travis County.
The scale of the disaster is staggering. Affected areas span Kerr, Travis, and Gillespie counties, where infrastructure damage complicates rescue efforts. Meteorologists noted the region’s vulnerability, with the river reaching 9 meters before gauges failed.
- Key affected areas: Kerr, Travis, and Gillespie counties.
- Rainfall volume: 250 millimeters, against a forecast of 70-150 millimeters.
- River surge: 9-meter rise, overwhelming monitoring systems.
- Evacuations: Over 800 residents relocated to temporary shelters.
Camp Mystic’s destruction
Camp Mystic, nestled along the Rio Guadalupe, became the heart of the tragedy. Established in 1926, the camp welcomed girls as young as 8 for outdoor activities and Christian teachings. The flood struck in the early hours of Friday, submerging cabins near the riverbank. Elinor Lester, a 13-year-old camper, recounted waking to thunder and rising waters. Stationed in an elevated area, she escaped the worst, but younger girls in lower cabins faced immediate danger.
Rangers reached the camp by Friday afternoon, evacuating survivors from higher ground. Yet, 27 girls remain unaccounted for, with searches intensifying. Helicopters scan the river, while ground teams and search dogs comb through debris. Elinor described hours without food, water, or power, with rescuers using ropes to guide campers across flooded bridges. Vice-Governor Dan Patrick noted the camp hosted over 750 girls, adding complexity to the operation.
Authorities’ response
Governor Greg Abbott pledged that rescue missions would continue until all victims are found. He shared footage of a dramatic helicopter rescue, where a survivor was plucked from a treetop amid raging waters. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed President Trump’s approval of a disaster declaration, unlocking federal funds.
Rescue teams face treacherous conditions, with blocked roads and inaccessible terrain. Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly called the region “America’s most dangerous river valley,” citing its history of floods. Despite weather warnings, the storm’s ferocity caught officials off guard.
Families in anguish
At Ingram’s elementary school, now a reunification hub, families cling to hope. Elizabeth Lester, Elinor’s mother, tearfully reunited with her daughter, airlifted to safety, but grieves for a friend’s daughter, a camp counselor, still missing. Dozens of parents reported receiving calls from authorities about their unlocated daughters.
A young girl in a Camp Mystic t-shirt was seen sobbing in her mother’s arms. Chloe Crane, a teacher and former camp counselor, called Mystic a haven for building confidence, now reduced to rubble. The community rallies through the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, collecting donations for relief efforts.
A region prone to floods
The Rio Guadalupe has a grim history of deadly floods. In 1987, 10 teens from Pot O’ Gold camp perished when their bus was swept away near Comfort, 50 km from Hunt. In June 2025, 10 died in San Antonio floods, 150 km south of Kerr. The area, dubbed a “flash flood alley,” has rocky soil that repels water, channeling it into rivers. Austin Dickson of the Community Foundation explained that runoff races downhill, swelling waterways rapidly.
- Notable past floods:
- 1987: 10 deaths at Pot O’ Gold camp.
- June 2025: 10 fatalities in San Antonio.
- 2002: 8 killed in Kerrville flooding.
Ongoing rescue efforts
Specialized teams, including rangers, firefighters, and volunteers, drive the search. Aerial sweeps by helicopter complement ground efforts with search dogs navigating wreckage. Sheriff Leitha noted slow progress in identifying victims due to damaged remains and lost records. Authorities urged residents to avoid flooded zones, with more rain forecast. The National Weather Service warned of potential landslides in hilly areas, posing further risks.
Impact on nearby camps
Other camps, like Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar, reported no losses, though damaged roads delayed updates. Elizabeth Lester’s son, at Camp La Junta, escaped unharmed, but the focus remains on Camp Mystic’s missing. Local groups organize supply drives for food and clothing to aid the displaced.
Weather conditions
A cold front on July 3 fueled the storms, combining high humidity with strong winds. Meteorologist Bob Fogarty said the conditions created a perfect storm, with rainfall doubling predictions. Alerts were issued, but the flood’s speed outpaced preparations. The Guadalupe’s steep terrain amplified the disaster, overwhelming the river’s banks.
Community support
The Community Foundation launched a fundraising campaign, while schools and churches serve as shelters for over 800 evacuees. Volunteers distribute essentials, and mental health teams assist grieving families. The uncertainty surrounding the 27 missing girls keeps tension high, but authorities remain committed to the search.