Deadly Flash Floods in Central Texas Leave at Least 24 Dead; Summer Campers Among the Missing

Kerr County, Texas
Severe flash floods swept across Central Texas this week, leaving at least 24 people dead and dozens missing, according to local officials. The flooding was triggered by intense overnight rainfall along the Guadalupe River on July 4, causing the water level to rise suddenly and catastrophically.

Emergency officials reported that the Guadalupe River rose by over 26 feet in less than two hours, inundating homes, campsites, and roadways throughout Kerr County and surrounding areas. Among the most impacted locations was Camp Mystic, a Christian summer camp where a group of girls aged 12 to 16 was staying when the floodwaters struck. Officials say between 23 and 25 campers from the facility remain unaccounted for.

Rescue operations have been ongoing, involving local responders, state authorities, and federal agencies. Helicopters, boats, and drones have been deployed as part of the search and recovery efforts. As of Friday evening, approximately 237 people had been rescued from affected areas.

The rapid onset of the flooding gave residents and campers little time to evacuate. Although the National Weather Service had issued flash flood warnings prior to the event, the scale of the rainfall exceeded forecasts. The flooding forced the closure of multiple roads, disrupted communications, and prompted widespread power outages across the region.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of disaster for affected counties and activated emergency response resources, including the Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Guard. Officials have warned that additional rainfall forecast for the coming days could worsen conditions, posing further risk to communities downstream, including those in the San Antonio and Waco areas.

The floods disrupted Independence Day celebrations across the region, with fireworks displays and public gatherings canceled as emergency crews responded to the crisis.

Authorities are continuing search and rescue efforts while also preparing for possible additional flash floods due to saturated ground and ongoing storms.

Sources: Reuters, CNN, BBC, New York Post