Torrential rains turned the Guadalupe River region in Texas into a scene of destruction on the early morning of July 4, 2025, leaving at least 24 dead and 23 girls missing from the Camp Mystic summer camp in Hunt. Flash floods, which raised the river by 8 meters in just 45 minutes, caught authorities and residents off guard, destroying homes, cabins, and infrastructure. Rescue teams, equipped with helicopters, drones, and hundreds of responders, are working tirelessly to locate the missing, while families await news at reunification centers. The tragedy, one of the worst in recent Texas Hill Country history, prompted Governor Greg Abbott to declare a state of emergency, mobilizing unlimited resources for the operations.
The force of nature was relentless. In a matter of hours, what was meant to be a Fourth of July celebration turned into a nightmare for the communities of Kerrville, Ingram, and Hunt. Camp Mystic, a century-old Christian camp hosting around 750 girls, was the epicenter of the disaster, with cabins swept away by the waters. The speed of the flood made evacuations impossible, and the lack of power, water, and communication worsened the situation.
- Scale of the tragedy: 24 confirmed deaths, with potential for more.
- Missing: 23 girls from Camp Mystic still unaccounted for.
- Rescues: 237 people saved, including 167 by helicopter.
- Resources deployed: 14 helicopters, 12 drones, and over 400 responders.
The emotional toll is palpable. In Ingram, a primary school turned into a reunification point hosts families searching for their children, while desperate messages circulate on social media.
The destructive force of the Guadalupe River
The Guadalupe River, known for its scenic beauty in the Texas Hill Country, became a symbol of devastation. Data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) show the river level rose from 2 to over 9 meters in less than four hours, an event classified as “catastrophic.” A rainfall of 25 centimeters, equivalent to a third of the annual average for Kerr County, fell in a few hours, overwhelming the region’s rocky soil, which absorbs water slowly.
Dalton Rice, Kerrville’s city manager, highlighted the unpredictability of the event. The flood struck before dawn, with insufficient warnings for evacuations. Despite forecasts of heavy rain issued the previous day, the storm’s magnitude exceeded all expectations. Local infrastructure, including roads and telecommunications, was severely damaged, hindering access to affected areas.
The drama at Camp Mystic
At the heart of the tragedy, Camp Mystic, founded in 1926, was a haven for girls seeking fun and learning during the summer. Located on the banks of the Guadalupe River, the camp was engulfed by the flood. The cabins of younger girls, positioned in low-lying areas, were the first to be destroyed. Elinor Lester, 13, recounted moments of panic when she woke to thunder and water flooding the facilities.
Older girls, housed in elevated areas, managed to take shelter temporarily but were left without basic supplies until rescuers arrived. The teen described crossing a flooded bridge, supported by ropes, as one of the most terrifying moments of her life. The rescue operation, involving rangers and helicopters, evacuated some campers, but 23 girls remain missing.
- Camp structure: Cabins split between low and elevated areas.
- Age range: Girls as young as 8, supervised by counselors.
- Post-flood conditions: No power, potable water, or Wi-Fi.
- History: The camp has been a Texas tradition for nearly a century.
Ongoing rescue operations
The response to the tragedy was immediate but challenging. About 500 responders, including Texas National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard teams, were deployed. Helicopters patrol the area 24/7, while drones assist in spotting stranded individuals. By the evening of July 4, 237 people had been rescued, many extracted from trees and rooftops.
Governor Greg Abbott, in a statement, vowed that efforts would not stop. A video he shared shows a rescuer saving a victim from a tree, with the raging waters of the Guadalupe River below. The operation, described as one of the largest in recent state history, faces challenges due to impassable roads and forecasts of more rain.
Freeman Martin, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety, warned that the region, known as “the most dangerous river valley in the U.S.,” may face further flooding in the next 48 hours. The combination of saturated soil and additional rainfall heightens the risk of new floods, keeping authorities on high alert.
Reactions from families and the community
In Ingram, the primary school turned reunification center is a place of both hope and anguish. Elizabeth Lester, Elinor’s mother, described the relief of reuniting with her daughter but the pain of knowing other families still await news. A girl, still wearing a Camp Mystic t-shirt, was seen crying in her mother’s arms, an image that captures the emotional toll of the tragedy.
On social media, parents and relatives share pleas for information. Facebook groups report calls from authorities stating some girls have not yet been located. Chloe Crane, a former camp counselor, expressed solidarity with colleagues facing the responsibility of caring for campers amid the chaos. The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country, led by Austin Dickson, launched a fundraising campaign to support victims, with donations directed to shelters and supplies.
History of flooding in the region
The Texas Hill Country is no stranger to flash floods. The rocky terrain and proximity to rivers like the Guadalupe and Llano make the region vulnerable to sudden inundations. In June 2025, San Antonio, 150 km from Kerrville, recorded 10 deaths in similar floods. Decades ago, in 1987, a tragedy at the Pot O’ Gold camp near Comfort left 10 teens dead after a bus was swept away by the Guadalupe River.
- 1987: Guadalupe River flood killed 10 Pot O’ Gold campers.
- June 2025: 10 deaths in San Antonio due to heavy rains.
- Risk factors: Rocky soil and high rainfall in short periods.
The recurrence of these events raises questions about disaster preparedness in the region, though local authorities, like Judge Rob Kelly, say the 2025 flood’s magnitude was unpredictable.
State and federal mobilization
Governor Greg Abbott signed an emergency declaration for the affected counties, ensuring unlimited resources for rescue operations. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was also activated, sending teams to support local authorities. President Donald Trump, when asked about federal aid, said the government would “take care” of the victims, without specifying measures.
Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick called for prayers and emphasized the severity of the situation. He read a statement from Camp Mystic describing the flood as “catastrophic.” The mobilization includes volunteer fire departments and local churches, which have opened shelters for the displaced.
Logistical challenges and current conditions
Blocked roads hinder the evacuation of over 700 children who remain safe but isolated in nearby camps. Camp La Junta and Camp Waldemar, close to Camp Mystic, confirmed all their campers are safe but face the same access issues. The lack of power and communication exacerbates the situation, leaving families without contact with their children.
In Comfort, mandatory evacuations were ordered in areas near the river, with sirens urging residents to seek higher ground. A support center was set up at a Walmart, while a local church offers shelter to the displaced.
Threat of new rains
The National Weather Service issued alerts for Kerr, Kendall, and Mason counties, where the Llano River also reached critical levels. With more rain forecast until July 6, authorities fear the situation could worsen. Lieutenant Governor Patrick warned that the flooding threat extends from San Antonio to Waco, covering a vast central Texas area.
The combination of saturated soil and expected precipitation keeps the region in a state of emergency. Residents were advised to avoid travel and seek higher ground, while emergency teams prepare for further rescues.
