Tragedy in Texas: Deadly Floods Leave 13 Dead, 20+ Campers Missing
A powerful flash flood in Central Texas turned deadly late on July 4, 2025, claiming at least 13 lives and leaving over 20 young girls missing from a popular Christian summer camp. The disaster unfolded near the Guadalupe River in Kerr County, where rising waters overwhelmed communities with little warning.
🌊 Flash Flood Hits Without Mercy
Heavy overnight rainfall—up to 10 inches in some areas—triggered a dramatic surge in the Guadalupe River. Within just two hours, the river rose more than 20 feet, submerging homes, roads, and entire campgrounds.
The hardest-hit location: Camp Mystic, a private all-girls summer camp hosting more than 700 campers near Hunt, Texas. Several cabins were swept away, and communication was lost as power, water, and internet failed.
🧒 Missing Girls and Fatalities
Authorities report:
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13 confirmed deaths, including children and adults.
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20 to 23 girls missing, all campers between ages 7 and 17.
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Widespread destruction across Kerr, Bandera, and Gillespie counties.
Search teams are combing through flood debris, downed trees, and ravaged riverbanks in hopes of locating the missing children—many of whom may be stranded in trees or remote areas.
🚁 Emergency Response in Full Force
Texas has launched a massive rescue and recovery operation, including:
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500+ emergency personnel
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Helicopters, boats, drones, and dive teams deployed
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Assistance from FEMA, the Texas National Guard, and local fire departments
Officials set up a family reunification center and warned the public to stay out of flood zones to avoid hampering search efforts.
📍 Environmental & Structural Impact
Before the flood, the region was experiencing a severe drought, which ironically worsened the flooding—as hardened soil couldn’t absorb the sudden rain. River gauges failed as waters peaked, and entire cabins, RV parks, and vehicles were swept away.
Camp Mystic, operating for over 100 years, has never experienced flooding of this magnitude. The site remains inaccessible except by air and boat.
🗣️ Government & Public Reactions
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Governor Greg Abbott declared a state of emergency across multiple counties.
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Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said the situation remains fluid, and “we’re praying for miracles.”
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President Trump offered federal aid and called the event a “national tragedy.”
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Local churches and nonprofits have mobilized shelters, food, and supplies for displaced families.
🔎 What Comes Next
Search-and-rescue missions will continue for days, possibly weeks. As water levels recede, recovery teams will assess the full scale of the devastation.
The missing girls’ families—and the nation—are anxiously awaiting any news. For now, the community is holding onto hope amid heartbreak.
