Flash Floods Ravage Central Texas, 24 Dead and Dozens Missing Including Campers

At least 24 people were confirmed dead after powerful flash floods tore through Central Texas on July 4, submerging communities, sweeping away homes, and triggering a desperate search for dozens of missing, including a large group of campers. The flooding, fueled by sudden, intense rainfall, caused the Guadalupe River to surge dramatically in just under an hour, overwhelming towns like Kerrville and surrounding areas.

Local officials described the storm as one of the most destructive in recent memory. Rainfall between 5 and 10 inches fell within three hours, causing the river to rise 26 feet in 45 minutes—a spike emergency responders labeled as a rare and catastrophic event. The hardest-hit area includes Camp Mystic, a well-known Christian summer camp, where at least 25 girls remain unaccounted for.

Dalton Rice, city manager of Kerrville, said the floods occurred so rapidly that many residents were caught off guard despite weather alerts. Entire cabins, vehicles, and homes were engulfed by rising water in the early morning hours. “There was little time to react. Everything changed in minutes,” Rice said.

Rescue efforts are being carried out on a massive scale. More than 230 people have been rescued so far, with over 160 airlifted to safety. The Texas Division of Emergency Management is coordinating with federal agencies, including FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard. Rescue helicopters, boats, and drones are scouring affected areas, searching for survivors in isolated pockets.

Governor Greg Abbott has issued a disaster declaration and pledged comprehensive support. Speaking from a press briefing, Acting Governor Dan Patrick said that while 23 girls from Camp Mystic remain missing, officials remain hopeful that some may still be alive, possibly trapped in trees or on high ground.

President Donald Trump, traveling on Air Force One, also expressed concern and said federal resources would be available “without hesitation.” He described the disaster as “devastating,” acknowledging the scale of loss and promising coordinated federal assistance.

The National Weather Service has warned that additional rainfall could worsen the situation over the next two days, and advised residents to avoid travel, stay indoors, and steer clear of flood-prone zones.

As Fourth of July celebrations were canceled across the region, communities are now grappling with grief, uncertainty, and the urgent need for continued rescue and relief operations. Emergency teams are working around the clock to locate the missing, provide aid to the displaced, and begin recovery in a region now marked by devastation.