News Summary
A catastrophic flash flood in Kerrville, Texas has claimed at least 32 lives, including 14 children, with many still missing. The flooding, caused by a rapid rise in the Guadalupe River, caught families and campers off guard during the 4th of July weekend. Camp Mystic, a local Christian summer camp, has been heavily impacted, with 750 girls in attendance. Texas authorities are conducting a major rescue operation as they face communication and infrastructure challenges.
Kerrville, Texas – A major search and rescue operation is currently underway following catastrophic flash floods that have resulted in at least 32 confirmed deaths, including 14 children. Approximately 27 individuals are still missing, with many of them believed to have been attending a Christian summer camp known as Camp Mystic during the disastrous floods.
The flooding was triggered by the Guadalupe River, which rose a staggering 26 feet in less than an hour, catching many residents and campers off guard during the popular 4th of July weekend. The sudden surge of water swept away mobile homes, vehicles, and holiday cabins, leaving devastation in its wake.
Approximately 750 girls were at Camp Mystic, located just outside Kerrville, Texas, about 64 miles northwest of San Antonio. Many of these campers are among those who remain unaccounted for, prompting Texas authorities to declare a state of emergency in several counties impacted by the floods. The situation has been complicated by washed-out roads and downed phone lines, which are hindering rescue efforts.
Eyewitness accounts describe harrowing scenes, with reports of children screaming as floodwaters inundated a recreational vehicle park. In response to the emergency, over 1,000 rescuers have been deployed, including teams utilizing helicopters, drones, and boats to locate missing individuals.
State and local officials have expressed deep concern over the extent of the disaster. The Kerr County Judge highlighted the lack of a warning system for the area, which has been a critical factor in the high casualty rate. Although the National Weather Service (NWS) had issued a flash flood watch for the region, they could not accurately predict the intensity of the rainfall, which exceeded initial estimates that suggested around 8 inches would fall. Instead, the actual rainfall was significantly greater, contributing to the catastrophic flood conditions.
In the wake of this tragedy, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been coordinating with federal authorities, including President Donald Trump, to assemble resources and support for the affected communities. The White House has since announced assistance for Texas as structural and logistical recovery efforts begin to take shape.
Rescue workers are faced with not only the challenges of the flooding situation itself but also obstacles related to communication. Camp Mystic is currently without power, water, or Wi-Fi, which has hindered efforts to account for missing children and staff. Kerr County officials noted that the current flooding events have surpassed the devastation caused by a tragic incident in 1987 that saw the loss of ten teenagers.
Discussions regarding the lack of adequate weather warning systems have led to concerns over continued staffing cuts at the NWS, attributed to budget constraints, which may hamper future predictive capabilities. This event comes as the region gears up for a particularly active part of the 2025 hurricane season, with officials on alert for further severe weather.
The ongoing search and rescue mission remains a top priority for the authorities, with efforts continuing as information unfolds. The full scope of the impact caused by this flooding is still being assessed, but the community remains resilient in the face of this devastating natural disaster.
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Additional Resources
- The New York Times
- Wikipedia: 2025 Texas floods
- CBS News
- Google Search: 2025 Texas floods
- Forbes
- Google Scholar: 2025 Texas floods
- Business Insider
- Encyclopedia Britannica: 2025 Texas floods
- KCEN TV
- Google News: 2025 Texas floods
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
