Texas Flash Flood Disaster: 82 Dead, 10 Still Missing After River Surge
Central Texas is reeling after one of the deadliest flash floods in the state’s history claimed at least 82 lives, with 10 campers still unaccounted for as of Sunday evening. The disaster struck Kerr County with terrifying speed, leaving behind a path of devastation and heartbreak.
According to authorities, the Guadalupe River surged more than 30 feet in less than an hour on the night of July 4, turning tranquil campsites into scenes of chaos. Rescue teams have recovered dozens of bodies—among them 28 children—most of whom were at a popular Christian summer retreat, Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas.
Kerr County Sheriff Larry Leitha confirmed that 68 of the deaths occurred in his jurisdiction alone. “This is a tragedy of unthinkable proportions,” he said during a press conference. “We are searching every inch of ground and water to find the remaining missing campers.”
The missing include 10 girls and one adult counselor from Camp Mystic, a long-established summer camp with deep roots in the Texas Hill Country. Among the dead is the camp’s director, Dick Eastland, who reportedly died while helping evacuate campers as the floodwaters rose.
Federal and state officials have mobilized extensive resources to aid in rescue and recovery efforts. President Donald Trump declared a federal disaster zone in Kerr County, activating FEMA support and emergency funding. Texas Governor Greg Abbott issued a state of emergency, ordering more National Guard units to assist with search operations and declaring a statewide day of prayer for the victims.
So far, more than 850 people have been rescued through a combination of helicopters, drones, boats, and on-the-ground teams. However, heavy rains forecasted for the upcoming days may complicate ongoing search missions and increase the risk of additional flash flooding.
Meteorologists report that the flooding was caused by a stalled mesoscale convective system that dropped intense rainfall over a short period, overwhelming local rivers and stormwater infrastructure. The Guadalupe River, a popular recreation spot, rose rapidly beyond warning thresholds, catching many residents and campers by surprise.
The tragedy has raised serious concerns about early warning systems, as many locals claim they received little to no alert before the waters hit. Kerr County’s outdoor sirens reportedly failed to activate in some areas, prompting calls for an urgent review of emergency preparedness across Central Texas.
As families continue to wait for word on their missing loved ones, the community has rallied in support. Churches, schools, and volunteer groups are offering food, shelter, and emotional support to the displaced.
This historic Texas flash flood underscores the deadly potential of sudden weather shifts in a region long known as “Flash Flood Alley.” With extreme weather events on the rise, officials warn that improved infrastructure and alert systems are now a matter of life and death.
